Ceiling Fans vs. Air Conditioners

The air conditioner VS ceiling fan debate has been raging for some time.

Families usually have two types of members: those who worry about costs and those who prioritise comfort. When the temperature soars past 30 degrees Celsius during those summer months, it’s time to start thinking about whether an air conditioner or a ceiling fan will keep you cooler.

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, a bit of research can steer you toward the right choice based on your needs and budget. Both air conditioners and ceiling fans have their perks when it comes to cooling your home. In this guide, we’ve compared them thoroughly, considering factors like price and benefits.

Without further ado, let’s jump into it!

Ceiling Fans VS Air Conditioners: Which One Is Better?

1. Air Conditioners

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Purpose Of An AC

ACs remove the heat inside the room and control the humidity to create a cooler atmosphere around you by pushing cool air. Since the invention of the first air conditioner in 1902, it has cooled homes and minds and has only evolved in design and mechanism.

There are plenty of cooling options available these days, from ducted systems and portable units to fancy evaporative units and split systems. Air conditioners have come a long way in delivering effective cooling power. After installation, you can unwind in the cool air after a long workday or chill out on a Saturday with friends watching cricket.

On the flip side, you can also use your air conditioning unit in winter to keep your home or office nice and cosy.

Cost Of Air Conditioning Units

While modern air conditioners offer great comfort, they do pack a hefty price tag, which is their main downside. We’ve calculated a rough estimate of their potential cost for you.

An AC running for an hour will set you back around 33 to 40 cents. Running it for about 8 hours a day could cost nearly $100 a month just in electricity! Plus, keep in mind that installation and maintenance fees will vary with the model.

Although ducted systems are standard in most Australian homes, they tend to be costlier than the types. They can cost nearly $1.5 to $2.0 per hour, meaning you may incur almost $500-$2000+ in power on average, along with other additional costs. Hence, it is critical to consider the cost-benefit ratio and determine whether it will be a worthy investment.

Pros

• Effective and fast cooling
• It can be set to a precise temperature
• Reverse cycle units also keep warm during winter

Cons

• It can be very expensive
• Requires periodic maintenance
• Ineffective in open spaces
• Higher installation costs

2. Ceiling Fans

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Purpose

It’s time to introduce an average ceiling fan. They are common in almost every Australian home, regardless of financial circumstances. They rotate silently and push down the cold air to keep you and your room cooler.

When you return home from the scorching heat outside, Sitting under an AC would not be viable, as you might catch a cold. That’s where fans come in handy, as they allow you to cool down without getting sick.

In northern Australia, with open and airy homes, ceiling fans remain a practical choice as they run effectively throughout the day. They certainly have their perks but also come with drawbacks. Most noticeably, they don’t actually cool the room; they only circulate air, which can help dry sweat. A fan won’t get your room as cool as an AC would. Still, they can be helpful by distributing cool air during winter.

Some fans can be noisy, rattling away like they’re about to take off, while air conditioners typically run smoothly and quietly.

Do the disadvantages of a ceiling fan outweigh the investment you will have to make for an AC?

Cost Of A Ceiling Fan

The low operating cost of a ceiling fan is probably its most significant advantage. They cost as little as two cents for running an hour, plus low maintenance costs.

If a ceiling fan were to run for an entire day, the cost would only be around 50 cents, which is way less than an air conditioner.

Pros

• Much cheaper than AC
• Efficient in open spaces
• It doesn’t need periodic maintenance
• Energy efficient

Cons

• It doesn’t cool the entire space properly
• Limited temperature control

Working With Them in Sequences

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So, what if we say you can relax to your heart’s content without paying a hefty power bill? Sounds impossible, right? Just hear us out.

Smart usage can indeed help you save on those hefty power bills. Here’s a tip: after a long and stressful day, kick off by running the air conditioner for an hour or two to chill down your space. Once it’s nice and cool, switch to ceiling fans to keep the cold air moving around.

Doing so reduces the workload on both the fans and the AC, making it a clever way to keep cool without burning through cash.

Which Will You Choose?

So, ultimately, it is up to you to decide how much cooling you want. If the mercury crosses the 35-40 degrees Celcius mark, an AC will probably be a lifesaver for you.

On the other hand, you can choose ceiling fans if the power bills bother you more than the heat outside. They have a lower upfront cost and better electricity savings. And if you’re pulled in both directions, install both in your house and use them strategically.

For more information or to schedule an appointment to install your new appliance, contact the team at Bright Force Electrical. Our Sydney electricians can assist you with installing, replacing, and repairing your new ceiling fan or air conditioner.

We will be back soon, so take care and goodbye!