Which is cheaper to run in the summer, fans or the AC?

Question

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!

Answer 1

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

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

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...

Answer 3

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...

Answer 4

Ceiling Fan Vs Air Conditioner

Answer 5

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.

Answer 6

You will most likely want to run both. A ceiling fan, or a floor-standing fan for that matter, can lower the your perceived air temperature by as much as 5 degrees by creating a "wind chill effect" as the air rushes past your skin. This allows you to feel comfortable with your thermostat set at a higher temperature, thereby reducing the amount of time your air conditioning unit runs and lowering your energy bill.

Answer 7

If you can stand it, fans are considerably cheaper. The reason is that the A/C uses a total Amp-draw that is much higher than a fan...many fans in fact. You can minimize the A/C cost by upgrading the system with as high-efficiency rated as can afford, and thoroughly insulate the home. Good Luck!

Answer 8

I would run both. Set your A/C to 75 or 80 then run your ceiling fans on medium.This should save you some money in the long run! When you run your fans you have constant air flow or movement. This in return will make the rooms feel cooler when the A/C is not on.

Answer 9

fans consume 45 to 65 watts per hour
whereas
ac consumes 1200 to 2800 watts per hour
so running fans are cheaper

Answer 10

Does using the fan setting on an air conditioner use the same amount as box fans...or does it use far more electricity?