When it comes to cooling your home, the choice typically comes down to two main options: air conditioning (AC) and ceiling fans. Both have their benefits, and their downsides, so it’s important to consider your choice carefully. Factors such as cost, efficiency, ease of installation, and style are just a few things to think about. We’ve put together our thoughts to help get you started.

Price of Units

Cost is one of the first considerations, and often a limiting factor in the decision making process. Ceiling fans typically range from around $100 to $500 depending on brand, size, airflow and material. Air conditioning units are the more costly alternative. The price will vary significantly depending on the system you’re considering, and the individual units, but prices typically range from $800 and to $2500 for a standard unit. 

Ease of Installation

Ceiling fans are quick and relatively inexpensive to install. If you already have a light point, a licensed electrician should be able to fit the fan without major changes. 

Air conditioning installation complexity depends on the system but is undoubtedly more complex, unless you opt for a portable unit. Split systems need an external wall to hang the unit which will need to have a hole drilled through, and space for the unit outside. Ducted systems involve significant work – running ducts in the ceiling and fitting vents in every room.

If you’re looking for easy and low cost installation, ceiling fans are the obvious choice.

Cooling Efficiency

So far ceiling fans are on-top, however cooling efficiency is a major difference. Ceiling fans don’t lower the room temperature directly, they create airflow that helps to cool the space. Air conditioning by contrast will cool your space down, even on the hottest day. Fans are great when the weather is warm but not extreme. For humid or very hot conditions, AC wins hands down for pure cooling power.

Environmental Factors

Ceiling fans use less electricity than air conditioners - sometimes up to 50 times less for the same operating time. That means lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint. If sustainability is high on your list, ceiling fans are the greener choice.

Modern AC units are becoming more energy efficient, with inverter technology helping to reduce running costs, but they remain far behind ceiling fans in total consumption figures.

Style and Design

Style is a personal preference, but can be a deciding factor for some. Ceiling fans come in a wide variety of materials and designs - from sleek modern designs to timeless timber classics. Air conditioning units are less flexible in this department. Split systems tend to be plain white rectangles on the wall and aren’t the most aesthetically pleasing. 

If maintaining the aesthetics of the room is important, a ceiling fan or a ducted AC system would be the best choice.

Properties with Limited Space

Another limiting factor is wall space. Ceiling fans, as the name suggests, don’t require wall space and can come in a variety of depths to suit low and high ceilinged properties alike. They are ideal in rooms with lots of windows or built-in fixtures such as wardrobes. 

Some ceiling fans also come with built-in lights, which is handy if you’re replacing a central light fitting. This can save you from having to install additional lighting too.

Split system AC units require wall space for the indoor unit and an outdoor wall for the compressor, which can be challenging in compact rooms. Ducted systems are a good alternative if you have enough roof cavity space, as they keep most components hidden. Portable AC units can work when wall space is scarce, but they need a window for ventilation and take up floor space.

Replacing Units

Ceiling fans are simple to replace, and you can often get replacement parts too. As ceiling fan units are more simple, it's also easier to troubleshoot issues.

Air conditioning systems are usually more complicated. Split systems are replaceable but may require electrical work, while ducted systems are often more involved. 

Quality ceiling fans and AC units should last a good length of time and will come with a strong warranty policy - we highly recommend checking this when you make your purchase.

What If You Need Heating Too?

Reverse-cycle air conditioning shines in this case. A split system or ducted AC can heat as well as cool, often very efficiently. Ceiling fans can help circulate warm air in winter, but they don’t produce heat. If your home needs both heating and cooling, AC is the more practical option.

When to Choose Which

Choose ceiling fans if:

  • You want a low-cost, energy-efficient solution
  • Environmental factors are important to you
  • You want an easy installation without having to make notable changes to your home

Choose air conditioning if:

  • You live in a hot or humid area
  • You need both heating and cooling in one system
  • Maximum comfort is your top priority

You’ll also find that many homes use a combination of ceiling fans for everyday comfort and AC for peak summer conditions. If ceiling fans are the right option for you, you can shop online today at The Lighting Outlet and have you new fan delivered to your door across Australia.