Ceiling fans have many advantages over air conditioners. They are actually more general purpose and useful tools compared to air-conditioners, and of course have energy and cost benefits too.

GENERAL USEFULNESS

1. Ceiling fans are more versatile. Unless you invest in an expensive reverse cycle air-conditioner you will find that you are limited to cooling your space with an air-conditioner. Fans however can be used for both cooling and heating a space. Many fans have a "summer" and "winter" setting allowing the spin on the blades to either push air upwards (taking naturally hot air away from your space in the summer) or downwards (taking warmer air into your space in the winter).

2.Ceiling fans are more effective in large or outdoor spaces. If you have a space that is large, or outdoors, then the fan is your only solution for effective cooling relief from hot temperatures.

3. Ceiling fans provide additional "insect" repelling action. The moving air and blades of a fan are useful replants for insects and unwanted flying creatures. They can be used to shoo insects away from tables of food, or even your face, while an air-conditioner is totally useless for anything but controlling air temperature.

4. Ceiling fans are easily changed. If you shift your main living area and re-design the house it is simple to move the fan. Changing your air-conditioning layout is far more complicated, expensive and may not even be possible.

5. Ceiling fans are quiet - when blades are properly balanced. You can easily sleep with the fan and do not cause any noise pollution to your neighbors or other areas of your own house. Air conditioners however have a noisy box that must be located in an outside space away from your sleeping areas.

6. Ceiling fans can be installed in more places. Ceiling fans are versatile and fit almost any space. However, with an air-conditioner you are limited to installing them in certain rooms and spaces where there is an appropriate outside wall that can house the unit.

ENERGY AND COST BENEFITS

1. Ceiling fans are cheaper to run than air conditioners. Powering an air-conditioner costs less than powering a ceiling fan. This makes it possible to run ceiling fans for longer periods of time for the same cost, achieving a "conditioning" solution for longer with the same money.

2. Ceiling fans use less energy than air conditioners. Not only do ceiling fans cost less to operate but they use less energy. If you are conscious of the impact that you make upon the environment, you will find the ceiling fan wins. At peak times energy consumption is crucial and with more people using less energy intensive systems the whole power network stands to benefit.

3. Ceiling fans have an cheaper initial outlay and require less energy in producing the unit. The purchase of the fan is better for the environment and pocket compared to the air conditioner.