Do Fans Run Up Your Electric Bill?

With electric bills seemingly ever increasing, it’s important to keep tabs on what factors increase your energy usage – no matter how small they may seem to be. One of these household factors are the fans that run within the home, especially during hot, unrelenting summers. 

But how much power does a ceiling fan or box fan actually use? Will your electric bill suffer from having the air circulating within the home?

How do ceiling fans work?

Ceiling fans are a staple within most households. Perfect for circulating air around the room, ceiling fans have also been used to try and cool down both small and large spaces alike. But how does it all work? Since there’s no cooling components, why has this equipment been such a fundamental part of trying to keep the temperatures in houses down?

Ceiling fans make you feel colder

Although no cooling components make up the construction of a ceiling fan, they do tend to make you feel cooler. Why? The simple answer is something called “wind chill”. Wind chill isn't a concept limited to the cooler months of the year. As the fan begins to move the stagnant air within the building, wind chill helps reduce the feeling of heat on the skin. 

Ceiling fans don’t actually lower the temperature of a room

Sure, the surrounding temperature may feel cooler when compared to when the air in the room is completely still, but if you check the temperature on your thermostat, you’ll soon discover that no length of time with the fan on will result in an actual cooling of the area. A fan will simply circulate the air, not cool it down.

How much electricity do fans use when they’re left on?

Let’s take a moment to compare a ceiling fan to an air conditioner unit. As far as energy usage and how it may affect your energy bill, a fan is far more energy efficient when trying to garner energy savings. However, your fan will not truly cool down your home or place of business. 

Overall, a ceiling fan may only cost you around a dollar a week if left on continuously for the seven day period. It goes without saying that this number is dependent on what area you live in,  as well as the voltage of the fan you’re using.

Reasons your electric bill may be higher than expected

While your fan may not cost you as much as you think it may in the long run, there are other factors to keep in mind when attempting to keep the utility bill under control. Remember, your house is made up of many various utilities that demand bits of power here and there. To help you keep track we’ve outlined the most common items within your home to keep in mind when itemizing your electric expenses.

Leaving ceiling fans, lights, and chargers on while not in use

Sure, leaving a fan operating regularly can have a minimal impact on your bill, but over time, and when combined with other appliances, the amount of energy being used can eventually rack up. 

For example, a common complaint from homeowners everywhere is when children or other family members leave lights turned on when the room is not in use. Additionally, chargers and appliances such as televisions, coffee makers, power strips, video game consoles, electric toothbrushes, and your smart home systems can use up a good deal of electricity even when they’re not actively in use. 

Old appliances running too often

While vintage appliances are unique and sometimes aesthetically pleasing, they’re not practical on the electricity side of things. Old appliances generally use anywhere from 70 to 90 percent more electricity than newer, more updated pieces of equipment. If you’re looking to cut down on electricity, consider changing out older, larger appliances such as your fridge, stove, and microwave.

Electrical issues such as faulty wiring

Sometimes, your wiring or overall electrical systems are outdated or damaged, and use much more energy than they should be. It’s easy for these problems to go unnoticed, unrepaired and cost you once your monthly energy bills show up.

Call Young Cardinal Electric for your home electrical repair needs!

Don't let appliances in your house bleed you dry! Call in an electrician to make sure that your electrical systems aren’t costing you money. From simple fixes to complex electrical repairs, Young Cardinal has been a trusted electrician within the Tampa Bay community for years and we’re happy to help you save money. Visit our website to learn more and even book a consultation from the convenience of your phone or computer.