Winter HVAC Tips For Dallas Homeowners During Cold Snaps
Running ceiling fans in the winter can seem counterintuitive to what you’re hoping to accomplish. After all, virtually no one comes in from 20-degree weather and looks forward to getting blasted in the face by a cold stream of air.
However, ceiling fans do more than just cool us off during the summer. And as you’re about to see, it can make a heck of a lot of sense to crank it on as the temperatures fall. Keep reading for more winter HVAC tips from Dallas’ best– Ellis AC.
Warm Air Distribution
Warm air rises. Cold air falls. Presumably, you’re going to be running your heater during the winter. Running your ceiling fan on a low setting in the clockwise position helps to evenly distribute that warm air to the rest of the room. This allows you to feel warmth wherever you may be sitting or standing without the “cool breeze” effect your fan gives you during the summer months.
Minimize Central Heating Costs
Thankfully, you don’t have to use central heating as much if you run the ceiling fan in the manner prescribed above. The clockwise position creates a downdraft that lifts the cool air up and replaces it with the warmth coming out of your vents. As a result, you find yourself not having to constantly run the heater to enjoy the fruits of your winter HVAC system.
Lower Fuel Heating Costs
Less time running the heater means less fuel burned to stay warm. With the rising cost of living, especially for the expensive fuels used to heat your home, any steps you can take to minimize the impact on your household budget is worth taking.
Improve Air Quality
A room with good circulation keeps dust particles and allergens from collecting in one area. Furthermore, air filters don’t attract as much gunk and buildup. That means cleaner air in the room as well.
Lower the Risk of Illnesses
Allergies, viruses, bacteria growth. All these factors can create health issues throughout your home, and most of them come from poor circulation, ventilation, and improper use of energy inside the home. Clean air, warmth, good circulation – these factors can help you avoid the downside of winter or at least mitigate its effects.
Best Winter HVAC Techniques for Running a Ceiling Fan in Winter
Now you know the benefits of running a ceiling fan in winter. It’s time to learn some specific techniques and buying decisions that you can make to ensure the best possible outcomes. There are three specific steps you can take.
Choose Fans With High CFM
CFM (or cubic feet per minute) is a measurement frequently associated with ceiling fans. It is a measurement that describes the airflow efficiency of the fan. High CFM equals efficient airflow. For a ceiling fan to do its job, regardless of season, you want the CFM to be at least 75. The higher, the better!
Set Blades to Rotate Clockwise
Direction switches accompany every ceiling fan. If you feel that “cool breeze” effect from your ceiling fan, then it’s turning in a counterclockwise motion. This isn’t what you want for distributing the heat and sucking out the cold.
So, before you turn your ceiling fan on in winter, leave it off for a moment and switch the directional switch to the opposite side. This will reverse the fan clockwise, thus creating the downdraft effect. From there, run it on its lowest setting to ensure the air is distributed rather than generated.
Dust Blades Weekly to Limit Exposure to Allergens
Dust will eventually collect on your fan blades. Over time, that can create the distribution of allergens along with heat. Keep the hay fever to a minimum!
Instead of letting the dust accumulate, make time each week to dust your fan blades. You can do this with the use of a step ladder or by using a Swiffer to reach those out-of-the-way places. You may not get it all, but every little bit helps.
Ellis AC– DFW Winter HVAC Specialists
We hope you come away from this article understanding how ceiling fans in winter can actually be helpful. They’re able to save you money, provide clean air quality, and ensure that you have enough warmth to last all season.
As you’re testing it out, don’t forget about your heater either. Winters seem to be getting tougher each year, and it’s in your best interest to ensure your unit is working well all year long. Consider reaching out to Ellis Air Conditioning & Heating if it’s been a while since your last service. Contact us today if your home is in or near Dallas, Irving, Cedar Hill, or the surrounding areas.