Using a Window Fan to Cool Your Home
Relying heavily on your air conditioner can be inefficient, especially when the outdoor temperature is not that much greater than your indoor temperature. Air conditioners do work well in battling the humidity, but if the humidity is not a problem, then using a window fan for cooling your home might be a smart idea.
One window fan can help in either bringing in the air from outside, or by exhausting the air from inside. However, to get the best results, use two window fans to maximize the amount of air that moves through the house. Window fans, or box fans, are the preferred fans for the job, rather than a standing, oscillating fan that is placed in front of an open window.
The position of each fan also improves your results. You would not want to bring in the air from a warmer, sunnier side of the house. Inward-blowing fans should be on the shady side, and the exhaust should go toward the sunny side. And believe it when you hear size matters. Larger fans move more air, and better efficiency is achieved by blocking the open-air cavities on the sides of the fan.
Because warm air rises, place your fans in a way to leverage the stack effect. During the night, using ground-level fans to bring in cooler night air, and then have fans on the upper level exhaust the warmer air. When morning comes, shut the windows and trust your home’s insulation to keep it cool for a good part of the day.
There are a few things you should try to avoid still when it comes to placing fans. You want fresh air in your home, so don’t pull in air that may be next to a garbage bin or parking areas. Doing so might bring in unpleasant odors or fumes that might make it more difficult to breathe.
Smart and strategic use of fans can provide a positive cooling experience for your home without worrying too much about energy efficiency. For more information on how window fans can improve the airflow in your home, call the professionals at Sunrise Heating and Plumbing today at (616) 293-9326. We pride ourselves in providing nothing but exceptional customer service.