(CONSUMER REPORTS/WTVF) — You probably had the AC cranked up this weekend, and that's going to mean higher energy bills. Ceiling fans are one way to stay cool and save money. Consumer Reports explains how choosing the right one can help cool off an overheated electric bill.
Ceiling fans have been around for decades, but how much do you really know about ceiling fans? Turns out, they don’t actually lower the temperature in a room, they cool you off by creating a draft that moves air over your skin.
To keep her home comfortable, Paula Machado relies on three ceiling fans, plus a little air conditioning.
“We have the ceiling fans on all day long in the entire house to help it cool off. And it’s important because one, it saves our electric bill somewhat, and two, it really helps extend the life of our AC,” said Machado.
And here’s the best part: Ceiling fans cost very little to run, and when used with your air conditioner, you can actually raise the thermostat by about 4 degrees and feel just as cool.
Fans with the Energy Star label are 60% more efficient than conventional fan/light units.
To optimize the power of your fan, place it at the perfect height.
“Hang your fan high - they work best when the blades are seven to nine feet above the floor and from 10 to 12 inches below the ceiling. If your ceiling is really high, use a down rod to bring it to the right height,” said Paul Hope with Consumer Reports.
The most popular fan size is 52 inches. They’re best for large rooms, from 225 to 400 square feet. A 42-to-44-inch fan is effective in rooms from 144 to 225 square feet. If your room is borderline, opt for the larger fan and run at a lower speed.
When it’s time to install, if you’re replacing a light fixture with a ceiling fan, check to ensure that the electric box can support the weight.Your fan is going to gather dust and even pollen. To keep it clean, Consumer Reports says to lay a sheet beneath the fan, to protect furniture and floors. Wipe the blades and housing gently with a damp cloth and all-purpose cleaner.
Finally, remember that fans cool people, not rooms, so always turn them off when you leave. And your energy savings doesn’t end with using ceiling fans. Choosing an LED or CFL light will last longer, use less energy and save you money.
