Andrew HelwerSeeing how far into the Atlanta summer we can get without using air conditioning. Fans (three of them) use around 50 watts each, compared with probably over 1000 watts for AC. Cold showers become pleasant. It does get humid here which will reduce fan viability as we get further into the summer months. #2000wattsociety
mike805@ahelwer An indoor/outdoor wireless thermometer is a good energy saving investment. If it's hot inside and cooler outside use the box fan and open the windows. If hot inside and hotter outside use the AC. I always come home at night and hear air conditioners buzzing all over the place even though it's cool out.
@mike805 at least AC uses less energy when it’s cooler outside, right?
@ahelwer Somewhat less, sure, with a lower temperature gradient to overcome. But still uses several times as much power as a fan. AC spends energy to pull water out of the air.
I think the energy efficiency of box fans could be improved. They are mostly low tech shaded pole motors from what I've seen. A basic capacitor motor would be a serious improvement, never mind a modern brushless DC motor. Of course people expect a fan to cost $20 and not $200.
@mike805 that’s an interesting thought. I wonder whether switching out the motor would improve the acoustics as well, or if most of the noise comes from the flimsy plastic blades. Box fans are very noisy for how much air they move.