Ceiling fan savings: raise the thermostat about 4 degrees

Ceiling fan savings come from a simple trick of comfort. A fan does not cool the air, but the breeze makes you feel cooler, so you can set the air conditioning higher.

The 4 degree rule

With air conditioning, a ceiling fan lets you raise the thermostat about 4 degrees Fahrenheit with no loss of comfort, according to the US Department of Energy.

Fans create a wind chill effect that makes people more comfortable.

Use it right

The Department of Energy says to turn off ceiling fans when you leave a room.

Ceiling fans are only appropriate in rooms with ceilings at least eight feet high.

Why it works

Air conditioning uses far more energy than a fan, so every degree you raise the thermostat helps.

The fine print

The 4 degree figure applies when the fan is running in a room people are using, along with air conditioning.

Why it matters

It is a cheap way to stay cool and cut summer power bills.

Try it yourself

Try our free Eco Calculators, or test yourself with Greener Choice.

Sources: US Department of Energy fans for cooling.

Key takeaways on ceiling fan savings

Here is the short version on ceiling fan savings. With air conditioning, a ceiling fan lets you raise the thermostat about 4 degrees Fahrenheit with no loss of comfort, according to the US Department of Energy. Fans create a wind chill effect that makes people more comfortable. The Department of Energy says to turn off ceiling fans when you leave a room. Ceiling fans are only appropriate in rooms with ceilings at least eight feet high. Air conditioning uses far more energy than a fan, so every degree you raise the thermostat helps. The 4 degree figure applies when the fan is running in a room people are using, along with air conditioning. It is a cheap way to stay cool and cut summer power bills.

Use these points on ceiling fan savings as a starting point, check the numbers against your own home or business, and share what you learn with someone who can use it.