Gas and energy prices are rising again, and that means Americans must tighten their belts even further. You don't need to dread hot summer temps and high air conditioning bills when you have ceiling fans in your home.
If you already have fans in place, check to see whether they are Energy Star qualified. Ceiling fan and light combinations that have earned Energy Star accreditation are about 50 percent more efficient than non-conforming units. The difference lies in improved motors and blade designs. A model with an Energy Star light kit included provides even greater energy savings, and the bulbs don't need to be changed as often.
"Consumer demand for more energy-efficient products has driven the industry to integrate new lighting, blade and motor technologies that save operating costs. New products integrating the latest technologies are up to 75 percent more efficient than previous models" says Steve Cox, vice president and general manager of Emerson Ceiling Fans.
Paul Vrabel, a principal at ICF International, an energy solutions firm that partners with government clients, explains how to operate fans correctly. "Put them on when you are in the room -- during the day and when sleeping -- and turn them off when you leave. Ceiling fans cool people, not air," he says. "Using fans wisely while turning down the [air conditioner] can save a lot of money."
Ceiling fans do such an efficient job of circulating air, they probably should be everywhere. "Any type of room can benefit," says Nathan Frampton, president of ceiling fan company Fanimation. "Bedrooms, family rooms, and exterior living spaces are the most common applications, but we are seeing [them used] more in larger bathrooms, walk-in closets, home offices and garages."
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