Personal finance weblog The Simple Dollar recently found that, on average, having a ceiling fan running in a room makes it feel around four degrees cooler. Australian government studies show that setting your air conditioning temperature 1.8 degrees higher can reduce its running time by 10%. Putting both of these factoids together posits that you can save around 23% of your air conditioning costs by using a ceiling fan and setting your thermostat at 78 instead of 74. Furthermore, according to The Simple Dollar's calculations, dropping the running time of your central air from 9 hours to 7 hours per day using this technique will save you around $34 a month. The cost of running a 48" ceiling fan on high 18 hours a day will cost around $5.82 a month which means that unless you have more than five ceiling fans in your house running simultaneously you'll be saving money on your energy bills. They estimate that if you put a ceiling fan in each of the rooms you spend a lot of time using that you can save around $100 a year on energy expenses.

Well worth considering if you're trying to lower your energy expenses, and also remember that you can run the fan in reverse in the Winter to heat your home more effectively. Photo by Steve Johnson Install Ceiling Fans in Every Room You Spend Time In | These tips are designed to help you choose effective ways to reduce your energy bills. Some measures may not be relevant depending on climate, the age of your home and appliances, and past improvements made to your home. Also check out our What To Do Before It Gets TOO HOT! The average home spends hundreds of dollars a year on energy costs. But you can lower your energy bills and help save the environment at the same time! Cutting back unnecessary energy use is an easy way to reduce energy consumption while saving money. Here are some additional suggestions you can do at home, at absolutely no cost to you. Set your thermostat to 78 degrees when you are home and 85 degrees or off when you are away. Using ceiling or room fans allows you to set the thermostat higher because the air movement will cool the room.

Always take into account health considerations and be sure to drink plenty of fluids in warm weather. (Save: 1 - 3 percent per degree, for each degree the thermostat is set above 72 degrees) To help prevent electricity outages, avoid running your appliances during peak hours, -- from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. -- or anytime an electricity emergency is declared. Make a quick trip to your local hardware store to purchase inexpensive energy-saving tools and equipment. Dirty filters restrict airflow and can cause the system to run longer, increasing energy use. Replace filters monthly for maximum benefit. Weather-strip, seal, and caulk leaky doors and windows and install foam gaskets behind outlet covers. Planning to do some remodeling soon? Time to replace old appliances? Consider these energy efficiency suggestions when you make purchases. A whole house fan is permanently installed in your attic and draws cool air into your home through the windows while forcing hot air out through your attic vents.

Use after sundown when the outside temperature drops below 80 degrees, and in the early morning to cool your house and help reduce your air conditioning use. Install patio covers, awnings, and solar window screens to shade your home from the sun. For additional future savings, use strategically planted trees, shrubs and vines to shade your home. Solar control window films applied to existing glass in windows and doors is an effective method to reduce peak demand during hot months and conserve energy anytime air conditioning might be required.ac unit outside cover In addition to the energy management benefits, the use of these films can also reduce exposure to ultraviolet radiation and reduce glare.how good are portable ac units Vist the International Window Film Association for more information.how long does an ac unit usually last

If your air conditioner is on the way out, buy an ENERGY STAR® air conditioner. (Save: up to 10 percent) Leaking ductwork accounts for 25 percent of cooling costs in an average home, so have your ducts tested and have any leaks or restrictions repaired by a qualified contractor. Note: duct cleaning is not the same as duct sealing. As of October 1, 2005, if you install a new central air conditioner or furnace, your ducts will have to be inspected. Refrigerators with a top or bottom freezer design can save you an additional 2-3% on your bill compared to a side-by-side design. If existing insulation level is R-19 or less, consider insulating your attic to at least R-30. If your windows are due for replacement, ENERGY STAR® windows can make your house more comfortable year-round.Want to know how much energy a typical appliance uses? Check out the chart below. The costs displayed are approximations based on cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Actual costs may vary. What is phantom load?

Any appliance that has a light, clock, or remote control uses electricity even when it’s not being used. Often the power switch simply puts the appliance into standby mode. Phantom load is the electricity it draws while still plugged in, because the unit is not truly “off.” You can save energy by unplugging appliances or by plugging them into power strips that can be switched off when not in use. To see how energy use affects your bill, try our Residential Bill Calculator.Many of us use more electricity during the summer than at any other time, mainly because of air conditioning. So it makes sense to find ways to reduce electricity use while maintaining personal comfort. Use these tips in your home and business to offset rising costs and avoid surprises on your fall electrical bill. Take advantage of conservation programs and incentives to save electricity and money. /conservation for both residential and business programs. Air conditioning can account for up to 50 per cent of your summer electricity bill.

Try to use it only when necessary to remain comfortable. As much as possible, use it during Off-Peak hours. Use the following tips for further savings. Run your air conditioner just a little warmer For window air conditioners Remember to close the vents in rooms Periodically check that the filter is clean. As much as you can, shift the use of major appliances to Off-Peak hours, which are 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. weekdays, and all day weekends and statutory holidays. The cost difference between On-Peak and Off-Peak is 50 per cent – that’s a big saving for a little shift. Save $6.90 a month by shifting your laundry Use lids on your pots while cooking Save $2.50 a month when you shift your dishwashing If you have an electric stove and oven Let your dishes air dry Make sure you’re using all of your dishwasher’s energy-saving features. If you’re looking for a new major appliance If you have an electric hot water tank, your water heating costs can be a substantial portion of your total.

Use these tips to reduce your costs. Have a qualified person check the temperature of your hot water tank. Wrap your electric water heater with an insulating blanket About 25 per cent of all household hot water Insulate at least the first three feet of pipe Quick showers use less hot water than baths. Little things add up to bigger savings. In many cases you only need to do something once and the savings keep coming. For example, as your incandescent bulbs burn out, replace them with compact fluorescents. It’s an easy way to make the transition. Save $4.70 a month by switching from incandescent Some electronic devices continue to consume power Use timers on selected lights Save instantly on products . Use LED seasonal lighting Eliminate drafts in your home If you have a swimming pool, Increase the amount of insulation in your home Many businesses can apply the same money-saving tips that apply to homes. However, energy-efficient lighting likely plays a bigger role, as does the wise use of air conditioning.