With costs rising, I run into people who are trying to save a few bucks anywhere they can. Central air conditioning can drive up electricity costs. That’s why ceiling fans that are Energy Star compliant can be the answer.
Energy Star fans are 50% more efficient than ceiling fans without the Energy Star certification. You can save up to $20 a year this way. Reversible fans can be used in the winter to help trim heating costs. Some fans require you to flip a switch on the fan body itself; other fans have a button on the control you can push to reverse the way it spins. This can be handy for fans on higher ceilings. Emerson Fans is an example of a company that sells Energy Star Compliant fans.
In addition to heating/cooling, Energy Star fans with built-in lighting are more efficient and longer lasting than non Energy Star fans, saving more money with fewer bulb changes. If your fan didn’t come with integrated lighting, buy an Energy Star light kit or fitter to receive the savings on lighting.
Also note than the fan size may be important. Placing a small fan in a large room won’t help you as much as it could. To help you figure out the appropriate fan size, consult this chart:
| Room Dimensions | Suggested Fan Size |
| Up to 75 ft2 | 29 – 36″ |
| 76 – 144 ft2 | 36 – 42″ |
| 144 – 225 ft2 | 44″ |
| 225 – 400 ft2 | 50 – 54″ |
Source: American Lighting Association, 2003
