ST. LOUIS – Summer’s heat is just around the corner, which means our air conditioners will soon kick into high gear, and with that, high energy bills. But as Consumer Reports explains, choosing the right ceiling fan can help cool off that overheated electric bill.

But how much do you really know about ceiling fans? Turns out they don’t actually lower the temperature in a room. They cool you off by creating a draft that moves air over your skin.

And here’s the best part: Ceiling fans cost very little to run, and when used with your air conditioner, you can actually raise the thermostat by about 4 degrees and feel just as cool. Fans with the Energy Star label are 60% more efficient than conventional fan/light units.

To optimize the power of your fan, hang it high. They work best when the blades are 7 to 9 feet above the floor and 10 to 12 inches below the ceiling. If your ceiling is really high, use a down rod to bring it to the right height. The most popular fan size is 52 inches. They’re best for large rooms, from 225 to 400 square feet. A fan that’s 42 to 44 inches is effective in rooms from 144 to 225 square feet. If your room is borderline, opt for the larger fan and run it at a lower speed.

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