Fans are the easiest way to cool your home in summer. They moves air around, and can purge heat from the house and draw cool air in. They also use less energy and are cheaper than air conditioners.

There are different kinds of fans, such as ceiling fans, attic fans and whole-house fans.

Ceiling fans make you feel cool by moving air without actually cool your home. Moving air removes heat from the surface of your skin and that makes you feel about 4 degrees Fahrenheit cooler.

If your home is tightly insulated and energy-efficient, a few well positioned fans may be enough to keep you cool in summer. Even if you still need to use AC, ceiling fans will allow you to set the thermostat at higher temperature and save energy.

When installing a ceiling fan, make sure it is not too high to be effective. However, the blades should be at least 7 feet off the floor to avoid injuries. Also, there should be at least 10 inches between the ceiling and the fan blades for good air circulation.

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Attic space can get extremely hot in summer.

Attic fans can remove hot air through attic vents and replace it with outside cooler air drawn through soffit vents. By doing so, attic fans reduce the heat buildup in the attic as well as the heat gain through the ceiling underneath.

However, if you consider installing an attic fan, make sure to seal all air leaks between living space and the attic so that cool air won’t be drawn out of the living area.

A solar attic fan is much easier to install and saves you energy at the same time.

Whole-house fans are powerful fans that draw outside cool air through open windows into the house. The air is allowed to circulate through the house and then vented from attic.

Whole-house fans can be used in different climates, such as moderate summer climate, or dessert areas with hot days and cool nights. Even in hot humid areas, it can be used in the spring and early fall.

Whole-house fans are usually run in the morning and evening when outside air is cool.

Make sure to cover and seal your whole-house fan in cold winter to prevent heat loss and trapping moisture in the attic.

To learn more about fans, go here.