Ceiling fans can help make the hot summer weather a little more bearable.
Just remember they don’t actually lower the temperature in a room – they cool you off by creating a draft that moves air over your skin.
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.
Paul Hope, Consumer Reports home appliance expert, says you can optimize the power of your fan – by placing it at the perfect height.
“Hang your fan high – they work best when the blades are 7 to 9 feet above the floor and from 10 to 12 inches below the ceiling,” Hope said. “If your ceiling is really high, use a down rod to bring it to the right height.”
The most popular fan size is 52 inches. They’re best for large rooms, from 225 to 400 square feet.
Fans with the Energy Star label are 60% more efficient than conventional fan/light units.
Your fan is going to gather dust and even pollen, so you’ll need to clean it with a damp cloth and all-purpose cleaner.
Remember: Fans cool people, not rooms, so always turn them off when you leave.
More Info:
The Consumer Reports Guide to Ceiling Fans
How to Lower Utility Bills When the Temperature Rises
