An easy way to save money might be right above your head—it’s your ceiling fan. Ceiling fans don’t warm or cool a space; they move the air to make you feel warmer or cooler. A ceiling fan costs about a penny per hour to run, according to Angie’s List, and you can use yours in tandem with your heating and air conditioning systems to actually save you money.
The US Department of Energy says you can adjust your thermostat by four degrees if you have a fan on in the room, and you’ll feel just as comfortable. Doing this can reduce your energy costs by as much as 30 percent in the summer and as much as 15 percent in the winter.
Check your fan’s installation manual or search for instructions online to learn how to change the fan direction; it usually just takes a flip of a switch on the unit. While you’re up there, wipe down the blades to reduce the amount of dust in the room. Make a note to adjust the setting every six months or so and you’ll be sure to have a comfortable room all year round.