What Is More Financially Beneficial: Air Conditioning or Ceiling Fans?

What Is More Financially Beneficial: Air Conditioning or Ceiling Fans?

That is the burning question that many Australians ask on hot summer days and nights, especially Southeast Queenslanders. And we know that for you, money isn’t always the deal-breaker when looking for an answer.

The simple answer!

 

This will not come as a big surprise. Ceiling fans are much cheaper to run than air conditioners. Figures calculated by canstar.blue.com.au in October 2021 show that:

• Ceiling fans cost as little as 2 cents/hour to run
• Split system air conditioning costs 33 – 40 cents per hour run
• Ducted air conditioning systems cost more than $1.48 to $1.94 per hour.

 

So what are the other factors to consider when choosing between a ceiling fan and an air conditioner?

Ceiling Fan – Pro’s & Cons

Pro:

The big positives for ceiling fans are that they are relatively inexpensive to purchase, and they are cheap to run. Also, they are quite easy to maintain: the blades need cleaning occasionally. Another positive is that a ceiling fan can add style to your room.

 

Be sure to check out our blog on all the benefits of using a ceiling fan…

Con:

Ceiling fans can’t reduce the temperature of a room, rather they give the effect of cooling. So, all fans can do is blow room temperature air constantly with no actual reduction in temperature.

Furthermore;

• Ceiling fans can be noisy
• Fan blades can be a hazard, depending on the height of your ceilings
• Along with air, fans also circulate dust, dust mites, spores, pollen, and other allergens in the room.
• Ceiling fans can be difficult to clean – anything that’s well out of reach is a pain to clean; for ceiling fans, you might require a special tool, like a wand on a long pole, a ladder, etc.

Air conditioning systems

Although air conditioning systems are more expensive to purchase and run, there are some other important points to consider.

PRO’s:

Performance – Prolonged exposure to heat shows a negative impact on individuals’ intellectual and physical activities. Higher temperatures typically promote lethargy which causes significant performance drops. This is contrasted by colder temperatures that increase mental alertness allowing for better workflow.

 

Sweating – Sweat patches are a universal enemy amongst people trying to keep professional appearances. Air conditioning works to prevent your body from reaching that point where you need to sweat to cool down. Furthermore, the prevention of sweating will also assist in the preservation of the body’s hydration levels.

 

Filtering – Most modern-day air-conditioning units contain a filter to stop the spread of germs in your space. Filters in air-conditioning units stop germs from being spread everywhere in the room, this reduces the odds of spreading illnesses in homes, workspaces and other spaces. Filters also stop the most common allergens that might cause hay fever or similar reactions.

To find out more about cleaning your air-conditioning unit and some must-know facts check out our other blog

 

CON’s:

Bacteria, Mould and Fungus – Air conditioners can be a breeding ground for the growth of bacteria and fungus. Moisture can accumulate in the coils and fan blades from condensation that forms when cold air circulates through the appliance. If left unchecked, things like mould and fungus can build up and get blown out into the air.

 

Sick Building Syndrome – Air conditioners can contribute to sick building syndrome, a variety of conditions that are brought on by time spent in certain indoor environments. Symptoms may include dizziness, dry throat, itchy eyes and nausea.

 

Dryness – Constant air conditioning results in the drying of the skin and mucous membranes, leading to the activation of skin diseases. To avoid dryness, apply hydrating lotions on largely exposed areas of skin and avoid prolonged use of air conditioning.

 

Old/Bad Filters – Though air-conditioning units contain filters, time renders them ineffective without proper maintenance. Bad filters can result in mould & fungus growing in air-conditioning units as well as the recycling of infectious air. Signs of a bad filter often include large amounts of dust, bad odours and the triggering of an allergy attack.

 

Eye Irritation – Airconditioning can cause the worsening of eye conditions for people with issues such as conjunctivitis and blepharitis. Airconditioning can also irritate people who wear contact lenses and suffer from dry eyes. These eye conditions are worsened by the drying nature of air conditioning which promotes irritation and dryness.

Other Health cons;

• Sometimes indoor air pollution is greater than outdoor air pollution. If indoor air contains allergens, you may suffer from nasal issues, headaches, itchy eyes, difficulty breathing and dizziness. In extreme cases, pneumonia and asthma attacks can also develop.
• Spending long hours in air-conditioned offices or homes you may cause also suffer heat intolerance when you go outside.
• If you suffer from allergies in the summer months, running air conditioning constantly worsens your symptoms if the AC system has not been regularly maintained.

 

Clean air advice

To ensure that your air conditioner keeps you cool and healthy this summer, make sure you regularly clean or change your air filter. Check that exhaust fans are working properly. And never store paints, cleaners, or other chemicals near your air conditioning, heating or ventilation system, as they can spread dangerous fumes throughout the house.

 

So, if you need some help in deciding what’s best for you or you have purchased a ceiling fan or air conditioning system that needs installation, just give CMC Electrical and Communications a call.