Unity EarthCare Tip of the Month of July

July 2025

When the weather gets hot, most of us will use air conditioning at home to cool off.

Whether an AC system, one or more window air conditioners or even the newer free-standing air conditioning units, don’t feel guilty about using it when the weather and humidity warrant it.
True, air conditioning uses a fair bit of energy, so it’s prudent to turn down the thermostat while setting it to air only when truly needed.
Particularly on our warming planet, air conditioning is less of a luxury and more of a necessity for staying comfortable enough to function as a human. It’s just like using heat during the winter!
Your electronic devices need to stay cool to avoid overheating, so do it for them if not yourself.

Using fans along with air conditioning is the best solution.

Using fans with your air conditioner can enhance comfort and potentially save energy.
Ceiling fans, in particular, help distribute cool air more evenly, making the room feel cooler at a higher thermostat setting, and allowing you to raise the thermostat setting by about 4°F without sacrificing comfort. This can lead to significant energy savings over time.

Here's more on why using fans with AC is beneficial:

Improved Air Circulation: Fans, especially ceiling fans, help circulate the cool air from your AC unit throughout the room, eliminating hot spots and ensuring even cooling.
Enhanced Comfort: The wind chill effect created by fans can make you feel cooler by evaporating sweat, even at higher room temperatures.
Extended AC Lifespan: By reducing the workload on your AC unit, fans can potentially help extend its lifespan.

Tips for using fans with your AC:

During the summer, ensure your ceiling fan is rotating counterclockwise to push cool air down.
Consider using a fan in the room where you spend the most time to maximize comfort.
Fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave to avoid wasting energy.