Is running your aircon and fan together a savvy energy-saving tip or a pointless waste of power? Many Singaporean homeowners debate this age-old question.
The answer is clear: when done correctly, combining your air conditioner with a fan is one of the most effective ways to save electricity in your home.
This guide from 81 Aircon will explain the science, strategies, and practical tips you need to implement this correctly for maximum savings.
Fans do not actually lower the temperature of the room or the air itself. Instead, they work by accelerating the evaporation of moisture from your skin, creating a cool sensation known as the "wind-chill effect."
Because you feel cooler with the fan, you can set your aircon and fan to the same temperature (for example, 26ºC to 27ºC) and still remain comfortable. The aircon compressor then uses far less energy at these higher settings, while the ceiling fan with aircon combination uses only a minimal amount of electricity, which generates significant savings.
The direct advice is simple: recommend raising your aircon temperature to 26ºC to 27ºC, rather than the typically low 23ºC to 24ºC setting. Even a small increase of 2ºC significantly reduces how hard and how long your aircon's compressor has to run.
To further optimise savings on humid days, consider experimenting with dry mode alongside your fan, though be mindful not to use dry mode for extended periods. Since the compressor is the single biggest power consumer in your unit, this action alone helps you save electricity and lower your bills.
Once your aircon is set to the optimal temperature, turn on your fan to achieve maximum efficiency.
Air circulation significantly enhances the cooling effect of the aircon's higher temperature setting. By moving the air, the fan prevents the aircon from constantly fighting stagnant heat, further boosting your energy-saving strategy.
Your goal is to delegate the actual "feeling of cool" to the fan. A 26ºC setting on your aircon, combined with the continuous breeze from the fan, can produce a comfortable cooling effect similar to still air at 24ºC. This means neither your powerful compressor nor your ceiling fan with aircon combination has to work as hard, which translates to noticeably lower bills overall.
A ceiling fan with aircon combination offers excellent performance for whole-room air circulation. By continuously mixing the air, the ceiling fan effectively prevents hot or cold spots from forming and helps maintain a more even temperature from floor to ceiling. This consistent circulation significantly reduces the workload on your aircon, which allows the compressor to cycle down more often.
Standing fans excel when your goal is targeted, personal cooling. They are ideal for desks, beds, or small, specific zones within a larger room, delivering a direct, powerful breeze to maximise the wind-chill effect on an individual. Both types of fans work effectively with aircon modes, but a ceiling fan generally offers the best combination for overall efficiency and full-room comfort.
It is important to understand that combining your aircon and fan works best when your aircon unit is already operating efficiently. No amount of fanning can compensate for a severely struggling machine.
In order to follow through on these energy-saving tips, regular maintenance is essential. Clean filters, coils, and proper refrigerant levels ensure your unit is working at peak efficiency before the fan even switches on. Combining smart temperature settings with fan usage and professional aircon maintenance is the ultimate strategy to maximise electricity savings.
This guide proves that running your aircon and fan together is a proven, cost-effective strategy to stay cool in Singapore's heat. You can stay comfortable while still being able to save electricity substantially. Remembering that 81 Aircon’s reliable aircon company servicing ensures your units run efficiently, making these energy-saving habits even more effective.
Ready to spend less on your utility bills? Contact 81 Aircon today to schedule servicing and get expert advice on the best aircon mode to maximise your unit’s performance and electricity savings.
