Ceiling fans don't cool your room, but they do help another way

Fans cool you when it’s hot, but with fall around the corner they’re also perfect to flip on when you open the windows.

So with that in mind, let's take a look at how to get the most benefit from ceiling fans.

They’ve been spinning in homes for decades. But did you know they don’t actually lower the temperature in a room?

They cool you by creating a draft that moves air over your skin.

The best part? They cost very little to run.

When used with your air conditioner, Consumer Reports says you can actually raise the thermostat by about four degrees and feel just as cool.

To optimize the power of your fan, place it at the perfect height.

“Hang your fan high. They work best when the blades are seven to nine feet above the floor and from 10 to 12 inches below the ceiling. If your ceiling is really high, use a down rod to bring it to the right height,” said Paul Hope with Consumer Reports.

The most popular fan size is 52 inches.

They’re best for large rooms, from 225 to 400 square feet.

A 42-to-44 inch fan is effective in rooms from 144 to 225 square feet.

If your room is borderline, opt for the larger fan and run at a lower speed.

When it’s time to install, if you’re replacing a light fixture with a ceiling fan, make sure the electric box can support the weight.

In the summer, fans should spin counter clockwise to create downdraft.

In the winter, switch them to spin clockwise on low speed to create an updraft that helps move warm air trapped near the ceiling back out and around the room.

It’s especially helpful in rooms with vaulted ceilings.

Finally, remember that fans cool people, not rooms, so always turn them off when you leave.