We often hear a similar conversation… and that’s the debate over air conditioning vs ceiling fans and which is better. As air conditioning and electricity experts, we’re here to share our knowledge and help make your decision a little easier! There are a lot of different factors to consider and it’s important to weigh them all up when you are making the choice over whether to install an air conditioning system or not.
How air conditioner cooling works
To discuss this topic properly, it’s best to understand how air conditioner cooling works. We have simplified it below.
When you turn your air conditioning unit on, the outdoor unit or condenser will circulate cold refrigerant through two interconnecting copper pipes to the indoor unit on your wall. The fan inside your indoor unit will pull the warm room air through a grill and over a cold coil. This air is then blown out through another grill and into your room. As the coil is cold, this air comes back out cold, cooling your room.
How a ceiling fan works
When a ceiling fan is turned on, electricity travels from the wiring in your home to the motor in your fan. This rotates the fan blades. Constant rotation of these fans blades is what produces a breeze, improving the airflow within your room whilst giving your body a cooling sensation. The downdraft of air the blades produce helps to evaporate moisture or perspiration on your skin, pushing away heat your body expels.
It’s important to mention that a ceiling fan does not introduce cool air to a room like an air conditioner does.
The cost of running a ceiling fan vs an air conditioner
The main factor many people looking at when choosing between a ceiling fan or an air conditioner is the cost. While a ceiling fan can be relatively cheap to run, people are always surprised to learn the cost of running an air conditioner isn’t as high as they expected! Like any appliance, the cost depends on how old your appliance is and how energy efficient it is. The below figures should be used as guideline.
Depending on the fan speed, a ceiling fan can cost $0.02 - $0.05 per hour to run. The cost to run an average air conditioner can be $0.25 - $0.35 per hour. This is for a small room. The cost for a medium sized room (36sqm) is $0.36 - $0.70 per hour and a larger room (50sqm) is $0.70 - $0.95 per hour.
Source: Canstar Blue - 2/12/2020
Benefits of an air conditioner
When weighing up the cost to run an air conditioner, the benefits should also be considered. While a ceiling fan may be cheaper to run, it won’t cool down a room like an air conditioner will.
A few other benefits also include:
Cooling large rooms
If you have a large room that needs to be cooled, an air conditioner is usually the only choice. Multiple ceiling fans would need to be used to cover a larger space.Effective in high temperatures
When it’s very hot outside, an air conditioner will need to be used to cool the air. As mentioned above, a fan does not actually cool the air in a room.An air conditioner is also a dehumidifier
When your indoor unit pulls in the warm air, the coil inside absorbs the humidity removing it from the air. This also helps to reduce dampness and in turn prevent the growth of mould, combatting air pollution in your home.
Combat air pollution in your home
Can be used as a heater
A reverse cycle air conditioner has the added benefit of being able to be used to keep your home warm during the winter. This is an ideal benefit for the climate in Sydney.A specific temperature can be set
An air conditioner gives you the ability to set a specific temperature. (We recommend a comfortable 22-23 degree Celsius during the warmer months).More control
You have more control with an air conditioner. Not only can you set a specific temperature, you can also use sleep mode and set a timer. Plus, using the Mitsubishi Electric Wi-Fi control app gives you the ability to control your air conditioner using your smartphone.
Alpine Air & Electrical are an authorised business partner with Mitsubishi Electric Australia. Contact us today to see how the Mitsubishi Electric Wi-Fi Control App can work for you.
An air conditioner can be hidden
Unlike a ceiling fan, an air conditioner can be hidden when you opt for a ducted air conditioning system. The indoor unit can be installed either underneath the floor or in the ceiling.Safety
Fans can be safety hazard because of the blades. An air conditioner eliminates this hazard.
Making a decision
When you are making a decision whether or not to have an air conditioning system installed, weighing up all of the pros and cons is important. Even though both a ceiling fan and an air conditioner are used for cooling, they are very different appliances. If you’d like to discuss your options and see how an air conditioner could work for you, our friendly air conditioning technicians are waiting to take your call.
Chat to an expert today