Using a tower fan in conjunction with an air conditioner can provide several benefits. The quick answer is that tower fans can help circulate cool air from the AC throughout a room, making the space feel cooler overall. Additionally, running a tower fan allows you to set the thermostat higher, reducing energy usage and costs while still keeping comfortable. However, there are also some disadvantages to using tower fans with AC units that should be considered.
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How do tower fans work?
Tower fans, sometimes called floor fans, are tall, slim vertical fans designed to take up minimal floor space. They use an internal fan mechanism to pull air into the base of the unit and push it out through vertically stacked vents along the body of the fan. This allows air to be pushed upwards in a straight column.
Tower fans have rotating grilles that oscillate back and forth to spread the airflow over a wide area. Many tower fans have multiple speed settings to control airflow strength. They are available in sizes ranging from around 30 inches to over 70 inches tall to fit different room sizes and needs.
Benefits of using a tower fan with AC
Here are some of the top benefits of running a tower fan along with an air conditioner:
- Circulates cool air more effectively: Air conditioners blow out cool air in one direction. This results in cold spots directly in the path of the airflow. Areas outside the direct path can remain warm. Tower fans pull in the cool air from the AC and spread it throughout the room, helping circulate it to even out temperatures.
- Allows raising thermostat temperature: Using a tower fan creates a wind chill effect, making you feel cooler than the actual air temperature. You can get away with setting the thermostat 2-3°F higher when also running a tower fan without losing comfort.
- Saves energy: For each degree you raise the thermostat in summer, you can save up to 3% on cooling costs. Using a tower fan allows you to comfortably raise the thermostat higher and reduce AC energy expenditure.
- Less noisy: Tower fans produce a relatively gentle, unobtrusive airflow noise. Meanwhile, air conditioners often have loud internal compressor noises that run frequently. Keeping the AC fan and cooling cycles at a minimum helps reduce noise.
- Better temperature zoning: Multiple tower fans can be set up around your home or office to provide cooling just to occupied rooms or spaces. This avoids trying to cool unused areas, which wastes energy.
Potential disadvantages of using tower fans with AC
While tower fans can provide many benefits, there are also some downsides to running them in air conditioned spaces:
- Higher energy costs if used incorrectly: Tower fans add to your overall electricity use. If you don’t adjust the AC thermostat up while using the fan, then you are doubling up on energy consumption for cooling. This leads to substantially higher electricity bills.
- More dust and allergens circulated: The strong column of air from a tower fan can stir up dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens. For people sensitive to airborne allergens, this can exacerbate allergy and asthma symptoms.
- Could chill you too much: If placed too close, a tower fan can create a wind chill effect that makes you feel too cold at normal AC thermostat temperatures. This leads to turning your thermostat up higher, reducing energy efficiency.
- Airflow direction issues: Tower fans have a narrow, vertical column of airflow. If not positioned properly, the breeze could completely miss seating areas where cooling is needed. Oscillation and tilt settings may be required to direct airflow.
- Noise and disruption: While quieter than AC units themselves, some users may find the dull roar of a high-powered fan disruptive for working or sleeping.
Tips for using tower fans effectively with air conditioners
To maximize energy savings and comfort when using a tower fan in an air conditioned room, follow these tips:
- Set the tower fan up in the central gathering area or where people are seated. Avoid corners.
- Adjust oscillation and tilt to cover the desired area.
- Use the lowest effective fan speed setting.
- Raise the thermostat temperature 2-3°F higher than your normal setting.
- If needed, use multiple tower fans to circulate cool air to different zones.
- Turn off the tower fan when leaving a room.
- Choose a tower fan with a timer to automatically shut off.
- Only use the tower fan when the AC is actively cooling.
- Position the tower fan to avoid blowing directly on occupants.
How much do tower fans lower AC costs?
The amount of energy and cost savings from using a tower fan with air conditioning will depend on several factors:
- How much higher you raise the thermostat temperature
- Your electricity rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh)
- How often and for how long the air conditioner cycles on
- The size and efficiency of your AC unit
As a general guideline, tower fans allow you to raise your thermostat by 2-4°F without discomfort. Each degree higher saves around 3% on cooling costs. So for example:
| Raise Temperature | Estimated Energy Savings |
| 2°F higher | Around 6% |
| 3°F higher | Around 9% |
| 4°F higher | Around 12% |
To determine your actual savings potential with a tower fan, compare your utility bills on similar months with and without using the fan to supplement your AC.
Best tower fans to use with air conditioners
The best tower fans to pair with your air conditioning system should:
- Offer multiple speed settings for airflow adjustability
- Have widespread oscillation capability
- Be height-adjustable or have tilt control
- Have a programmable timer to turn off automatically
- Be ENERGY STAR certified for efficiency
- Include a remote control for convenience
- Be rated for reliable performance and noise
Here are 5 top-rated tower fans to consider using with your AC:
| Tower Fan | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Dyson AM07 | Extremely quiet, powerful airflow, intelligent tilt and oscillation, 10 airflow settings, sleep timer, remote control |
| Honeywell HYF290B | 8 speeds settings, 90° oscillation, digital thermostat, auto shut-off timer, remote, sleep mode, ENERGY STAR rated |
| Lasko T42951 | Widespread oscillation, adjustable height 25 – 42″, carrying handle, simple mechanical controls, affordable price |
| Vornado 184 | 80° widespread oscillation, tiltable head, 3 speed settings, occupancy sensor, 5 year warranty, classic sturdy metal design |
| Pelonis FS40-19PR | DC motor for quiet operation, remote control, powerfully circulates air up to 24 feet, integrated carry handle |
Conclusion
Using a tower fan is an excellent way to supplement central air conditioning in order to circulate cool air more effectively. Tower fans allow you to raise the thermostat temperature by a few degrees without losing comfort, resulting in substantial energy savings from reduced AC runtime. Just be sure not to double up on cooling power with both the AC and fan running full blast simultaneously. Place the tower fan strategically in occupied spaces to create the best wind chill effect.
Investing in a quality tower fan that includes oscillation, tilt control, multiple speeds, and a programmable timer provides the best experience. Monitor your energy bills to see the real impact on your cooling costs. With smart use, a tower fan can make your air conditioning work more efficiently to cut electricity usage and bills.