Ceiling Fans vs. Air Conditioners

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

Every family has two types of members—one is concerned about the monetary aspect, while the other values comfort more. As the mercury exceeds 30 degrees Celcius every summer, people start pondering whether installing an air con or a ceiling fan will cool them down.

Although there’s no universal solution, a little research will help you make the right pick according to your needs and budget. Both air conditioners and ceiling fans have advantages in providing cooler air to your home. So, here we’re with this guide to help you do just that. We have thoroughly compared the appliances based on price, benefits and others.

Without further ado, let’s jump into it!

Ceiling Fans VS Air Conditioners: Which One Is Better?

1. Air Conditioners

{{img:'man-and-woman-turning-on-air-con.jpg' | alt | title | height | width | lazyload}}

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.

With so many cooling options, including ducted air conditioning systems, portable air conditioning, exotic evaporative units, and a split system air conditioner, it has only improved to provide more effective cooling power. Once installed, you can lie down and enjoy the cold after a tiring workday. Or, you can relax on a Saturday weekend by watching a game of cricket with your friends!

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

The comfort provided by modern air conditioners comes at a hefty price, which is their primary and significant drawback. We’ve attempted to provide a simple calculation to help you determine the potential cost of an AC.

An AC running for an hour costs around 33 to 40 cents, so running for about 8 hours a day can cost you almost $100 a month in power alone! Plus, the installation and maintenance charges vary according to 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

{{img:'standing-underneath-spinning-fan.jpg' | alt | title | height | width | lazyload}}

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.

Ceiling fans are a viable option in northern Australia, where people have open, airy houses with more fans running throughout the day. However, despite these benefits, ceiling fans have several drawbacks. The obvious is that they do not cool the surrounding area; instead, they push cool air and dry out your sweat. The room won’t get as cool with an AC ceiling fan as it would. However, they can assist you with keeping the cool air away in winter.

Some fans make loud and unpleasant noises, while others sound like they will blow your house off. Air conditions, on the other hand, hum along without any sound.

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

{{img:'girl-wiping-sweat-off-from-heat.jpg' | alt | title | height | width | lazyload}}

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.

To achieve that, you’ll need to run both of them strategically. For example, when you return home stressed out after a long day’s work, switch on the air conditioner for an hour or two to cool the room or the house. After that, turn on the ceiling fans to circulate the cold air, keeping the ambience cool for prolonged periods.

This reduces the effort needed from the ceiling fans and AC.

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!