When the summer heat kicks in, most homeowners instinctively crank up the air conditioning. But what about ceiling fans? Some claim that running ceiling fans alongside the A/C helps improve cooling efficiency and lower energy costs. Others argue that it's a waste of electricity.
So, what’s the truth?
The short answer: Yes, running both can be beneficial—but only if used strategically. Otherwise, you could be wasting energy and money without improving your home’s comfort.
In this blog, we’ll break down how ceiling fans work, when they help (and when they don’t), and how to maximize efficiency without increasing your electricity bill.
What Ceiling Fans Actually Do (And Don’t Do)
One of the biggest misconceptions about ceiling fans is that they cool the air—but in reality, they don’t lower the temperature of a room at all. Instead, they move air around, creating a wind-chill effect that makes you feel cooler.
Here’s how it works:
- Air movement speeds up evaporation of sweat on your skin, making you feel cooler.
- The temperature in the room stays the same, but it feels cooler because of the increased airflow.
- This allows you to stay comfortable at a higher thermostat setting, reducing A/C use
What ceiling fans DON’T do:
- Lower the temperature of a room.
- Help the A/C push out colder air.
- Reduce humidity (though they can improve airflow and make a room feel less stuffy).
Understanding this distinction is key to using fans correctly with air conditioning.
When Running Both Saves Energy
Using your ceiling fan strategically can help reduce cooling costs, but only if you adjust your thermostat.
- Raise your thermostat by about 4°F when using a ceiling fan—your home will feel just as comfortable, but your A/C won’t have to work as hard.
- Fans help circulate cooled air more evenly, preventing hot and cold spots in larger rooms.
- Fans use far less energy than A/C units—a ceiling fan typically uses about 75 watts, while an air conditioner can use 1,500 to 3,500 watts per hour.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, using ceiling fans properly can allow you to reduce air conditioning use by up to 10%, cutting down on your electricity bill.
When Running Both Wastes Energy
If you don’t adjust your thermostat or you run ceiling fans in empty rooms, you’re just using more electricity without getting any benefit.
- Ceiling fans don’t lower room temperature—so if your A/C is already cooling the room, the fan won’t make it any colder.
- Leaving fans on in unoccupied rooms is unnecessary—since they cool people, not spaces.
- Running a fan without adjusting the thermostat cancels out any potential savings.
How to Use Your Ceiling Fan and A/C Together Efficiently
To get the best cooling and energy savings, follow these simple guidelines:
- Use ceiling fans in occupied rooms to feel cooler while raising your thermostat by about 4°F.
- Turn off fans when you leave the room—they don’t provide any benefit if no one is there.
- Set your ceiling fan to spin counterclockwise in summer. This pushes cool air downward, creating the wind-chill effect.
- Pair with an energy-efficient A/C strategy—close blinds during the hottest part of the day and use programmable thermostats to optimize cooling.
The Bottom Line
Yes, you should run your ceiling fan and A/C together—but only if you adjust your thermostat and turn fans off when they’re not needed. When used correctly, this simple habit can help you stay comfortable while cutting down on energy costs.
