Fans and AC?

Question

We Just got a small AC unit to put in our window. our original set up was having 1 box fan one OLD *** WW2 fan and some other smaller fan running to "cool" the house.

My question is do you think it is more expensive or run an AC in one small room only a few hours a day

or is it more expensive to run the fans allday and all night.

thankx in advance.

Im only wondering because the person we sublet from said it would be way way more expensive.

More info. Haier Engery star rating 9.7 of 12 (I think)

Answer 1

the ac will use more electricity than the fans, but will keep the room you are using it in much more comfortable. it will only be efficient for the area it is designed for. if you try and cool a large area with it, it not only will not cool that area but will work it's tail off trying. so, use the fans in those areas and the ac in the area you have it for and it will cool that area efficiently and comfortably.

Answer 2

Both and neither...

It depends on how efficiently the fans turn electricity to motion, the higher the efficency, the less waste heat is generated, and the less wnergy used.

ACs, depending on how you use them, and remember to leave windows closed, are energy pigs. Remember that the AC is designed to ideally lower the temperature in the area by 5-10 C...however, the higher the setting used, the more energy used, and (in hot/humid weather) the more likely of ice build-up on the parts outside the house causing a freeze-up. This usually a very expensive repair.

Answer 3

You can only determine this for yourself and your comfort zone.
For myself, I have my whole house A/C set on 78º F. Where I spend time I have ceiling fans in use. I actually get chilly.

I disagree with one responder-- in that I can keep my temperature warmer when I use fans. Cooling isn't only temperature, it's also air moving.

There are other factors-- which side of the home faces the west and the setting sun? That warms the wall which then warms the air-- and on and on.....

If you are gone all day-- keep the drapes pulled and the windows shut. When you get home-- open the windows, use the fans to pull hot air out of the house and then shut it up-- then cool.

There are tricks to everything-- another trick-- wet down the west side of the home-- also any concrete-- do this a couple of times in the evening and it makes a great difference.
good luck

Answer 4

Even a small air conditioner is on the expensive side, but what a wonderful cool feeling when you absolutely need it!

Fans only move the hot are around, they do not cool the air.