Guides / Heating and cooling
Ceiling fans and window coverings
Cheap ways to feel cooler in summer and keep heat in during winter.
Fans and curtains don't change the temperature much, but they change how comfortable you feel, which lets you set the thermostat a few degrees higher in summer or lower in winter.
Fans
- A ceiling fan can let you raise the AC setting by about 4°F with no loss of comfort
- Fans cool people, not rooms; turn them off when you leave
- Summer: counterclockwise. Winter: clockwise on low to push warm air down.
Windows
- Summer: close blinds and curtains on sunny south and west windows during the day
- Winter: open them on sunny days and close them at night
- Insulated cellular shades help most on drafty windows
General energy-saving information. Savings vary by home, climate, equipment and rates. Efficient Home Help isn't paid by any utility, brand or contractor.