Will Running Your Ceiling Fans Increase Indoor Air Pollution?
Turning on your ceiling fans is a comforting way to increase air flow in your home. They’re especially nice on those “in between” days and evenings when you could benefit from a cool breeze but don’t want to turn on your AC. But with contaminants such as dust and dirt floating around your home, will running your fans kick them up—and potentially increase indoor air pollution? In our blog, ComfortAire Heating Cooling Fireplaces shares the answer and offers tips to help you take advantage of your ceiling fans to increase comfort. Call us with your air quality and cooling questions at 715-325-3969.
Ceiling Fans and Indoor Air Pollution
Fortunately, in most cases, your ceiling fans won’t affect pollution levels in your home. However, to help ensure your air is as clean and healthy as can be, there are a few extra precautions you can take with your fans. These include:
Making Sure the Blades Are Clean
The only way a ceiling fan could potentially increase indoor air pollution is if its blades are dirty. While this is an easy cleaning chore to miss, lightly dusting the blades from time to time can go a long way to keeping your home clean and limiting the circulation of pollutants. Otherwise, if dust accumulates and you turn your fan on, this dust will instantly be dispersed, spreading the pollutants through your home and HVAC ductwork. Use a damp cloth to wipe your ceiling fans if you haven’t used them in a while before turning them on.
Opening Windows While Running Your Ceiling Fans
To maximize fresh air flow, open your windows while running your fans. This encourages the exchange of indoor air with fresh air outside, filtering out some of the pollutants that may be captured inside your house.
Using Your Fan With Your Air Conditioner
You can use your ceiling fans alongside the cooling air from your air conditioner to maximize your comfort even further and boost air circulation. This can also help sweep dust and pollutants into your ductwork and filter them out before they make their way through your entire house.
Setting Fans to Run Counterclockwise in Summer
In the summer, set your fans to run counterclockwise for maximum cooling effects. This forces the cooler air down into a column, creating a wind-chill effect that leaves you feeling cool and comfortable. By running your fan at a high speed, you can set your thermostat about four degrees higher than usual without a noticeable impact on your comfort. Running your fans can also help decrease humidity levels in your home, which limits the growth of mold and mildew.
(During the winter months, set your fan to run clockwise to circulate warm air evenly.)
Reduce Your Indoor Air Pollution With ComfortAire
ComfortAire is a provider of several indoor air quality systems, including air cleaners, purifiers, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers. For more information on these products or answers to any of your indoor air quality questions, call our Bryant® experts at 715-325-3969 in Wisconsin Rapids or 715-342-0911 in Stevens Point.
