Wednesday, September 10, 2014
While it’s nice during these hot summer months to add an extra source of air to a room, ceiling fans add-value year round because they are energy efficient, stylish, and can provide an additional light source for not a lot of money. A ceiling fan is within reach of most budgets and can pay for themselves in energy savings over time. Here are some tips for using them to their maximum effectiveness.
Keep Cool at a Low Cost
Ceiling fans use just slightly more energy than a 100-watt light bulb, saving you up to $165 in energy costs over the life of the fan. For every degree you raise the air conditioning thermostat above 78 degrees, you can save 3% to 8% on cooling costs.
The Safer Option
Ceiling fans also have a number of benefits over floor standing or smaller desk-style fans. Ceiling fans become part of the room’s décor, save space and are safer particularly for children and pets.
Not Just for Summer
During the cold winter months, run your ceiling fan blades clockwise to push warm air down into the lower half of the room without creating the cool draft associated with running the blades counter-clockwise in the summer. This helps keep down the cost of gas and energy bills associated with heating your home during harsh winter months.
Depending on the style you choose, ceiling fans add a touch of old-fashioned grace or sleek high-tech to your decor. No matter what the fan looks like, however, it can add an inexpensive way to keep comfortable, without raising your energy bills. If you already have ceiling fans in your home, use them correctly to maximize their benefit. If you don’t have ceiling fans, consider adding them to the rooms you use most frequently.