People typically think of fans only for summertime comfort and lower air-conditioning costs. Ceiling fans are unique in that they can also reduce your wintertime heating bills with proper use. Here are six tips for getting the most out of your fans:

  1. Set your thermostat a few degrees higher and run your ceiling fans during the summer to decrease electric bills. Leaving your thermostat at the same temperature, or leaving your fans on while no one is in the room will not increase your savings.
  2. In winter, reverse the rotation of the fan blades and run it at a low speed. This moves the hotter air collecting near the ceiling throughout the room without creating a cold breeze, and allows you to save some of your hard-earned money.
  3. If you feel the need to get a fan after reading about how cost effective they are, select a fan that is Energy Star certified. The newest and most efficient motors are DC (direct current) motors, which can offer up to six speeds and use only 33 watts of electricity.
  4. When hanging your fan, be sure it is about eight feet above the floor to prevent injuries or damage to your fan. A down-rod should be included in with your fan to provide the proper height.
  5. When selecting a lighting kit for your fan, consider getting one with LED lighting. They are efficient, last for many years, and most are dimmable.
  6. Lastly, getting a remote control for your fan can help you save energy by making it easy to turn off, or adjust your ceiling fan settings. Some newer fans can even be controlled by a smart phone fan application.