Electric fans are safe and cost little to operate, making them must-haves during the hot days of summer.  Here are some ways fans can help make summer energy bills much more affordable:

• Make sure ceiling fans are running in a clockwise direction for summer cooling.  If you don’t feel a breeze from the fan, check for a reverse switch.
• On average, portable fans and ceiling fans cost only about a half a penny an hour to operate.
• Set the thermostat on your cooling system a few degrees higher.  Air movement from fans evaporates perspiration on your skin and makes you “feel” as if the room temperature is at least 4 degrees cooler.
• Turn fans off when you leave the room.  Having fans operate continuously adds no cooling benefit and wastes energy and money.
• Rely on attic fans to reduce the heat build-up in the attic that surrounds air conditioning duct work and makes your cooling system work harder.  
  Use window fans either to pull warm inside air out of your home or bring cooler outside air in, especially at nighttime.
• When purchasing a ceiling fan, look for fan/light combination units bearing the ENERGY STAR® label.  They are about 50 percent more efficient than conventional fan/light units.
• If you want lighting with your ceiling fan, buy an ENERGY STAR-qualified light kit that lasts longer so you won’t have to make frequent bulb changes.