What’s one simple thing you can do to help the environment and save some money?

Fans Beat the Heat

Fans are much cheaper, easier to install and use 90% less energy than central air-conditioning.

For a less environmentally destructive way than air-conditioning to stay comfortable in the heat, choose a portable or ceiling fan. Fans use 90% less energy than central air, and make rooms feel seven to ten degrees cooler because of the process of evaporation.

The best choice is an Energy Star-rated fan. Those ceiling fan/light combination units that receive the federal designation are about 50 percent more efficient than conventional models and will save you $15 to $20 per year on your utility bills. See a list of thirty companies that offer them here.

Most modern ceiling fans can also be run in reverse when it’s cold, pushing warm air down from high spaces. Learn more here.

Don’t forget to turn your fans off when you aren’t using them.