I live in Arizona where it can get to over 110 degrees F in the summer. AC is basically a must have. Bills can get to be over $300 a month easily for using the AC.
So, is it cheaper to run ceiling fans or does it use about the same amount of electricity as the AC. I would think the AC would cost more.
Which is cheaper and why? Thanks!
MARK S
Favorite Answer
Ceiling fans on high speed only draw approx. 2/3 of an amp.
Your average 3 ton A/C unit will draw approx. 20-25 Amps.
They also use different voltages . Fans run on 110 volts and A/C use 230 volts. Obviously the fans are cheaper to run. It's the equivalent to a 100 watt light bulb on high speed.
Maybe your A/C is due for a check up. If its a little low on freon it can make it run alot more than normal to keep up. Or maybe it's too small for the house. We use the calculation of about 450 square feet per ton in AZ. The other possibility is that it's just too old and inefficient. A unit even 10 years old , can use 30-50% more electricity to run. If theres anymore info you need , just let me know . Mark
Briggs
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RE:
Which is cheaper to run in the summer, fans or the AC?
I live in Arizona where it can get to over 110 degrees F in the summer. AC is basically a must have. Bills can get to be over $300 a month easily for using the AC.
So, is it cheaper to run ceiling fans or does it use about the same amount of electricity as the AC. I would think the AC would...
Kirk D
The fans would be cheaper by far, but at 110 degrees you ain't gonna get much relief from them... a ceiling fan is ran on 110volts, using about 4-5 amps of power... An air conditioner runs on 220volts using about 15-25 amps of power... so in other words you could run about 8-10 ceilings fans at the same time and use about the same amount of power that an air conditioner uses. But a fan just moves air, an air conditioner removes the heat from your home... I would say your probably stuck using the air conditioner... Might want to think about replacing it with a higher efficiency rating... You can get air conditioners that are up to 16 seer in ratings... These will actually save you money in the long run, but are pretty pricey in the initial costs...
lampl
Ceiling Fan Vs Air Conditioner
monkeymonkey143
you can save a BUNDLE of money if you can stand to use just ceiling fans or box fans. The key is to only use the fans in the room you are currently in. No sense cooling down a room you won't even be using. A ceiling fan set on "high" makes the room feel 5 degrees cooler, so as a compromise, set your thermostat a few degrees higher, and add the ceiling fans, which use much less electricity.