Sit and spin: Using ceiling fans to keep cool Ceiling fans can help you save a few dollars on your energy bill. Ceiling fans make a room feel cooler in the summer (and warmer in the winter). In the summer, a ceiling fan can make a room feel about 4 degrees cooler. Ceiling Fan Operation In the summer, ceiling fans should rotate counter-clockwise to push air down and create a cooling effect. . Fans make you feel cooler, but don't change the temperature, turn fans off when not in the room. In the winter, flip the switch on your fan so that warm air is forced down from the ceiling. When purchasing a fan, shop around for the Energy Star label. Energy Star rated ceiling fans use up to 50% less electricity than non-rated fans; they also employ energy efficiency lighting. Web resources for Energy Efficiency As you expand your energy efficiency mindset, here are some Web sites, in addition to Westar Energy's that will keep you up-to-date on the latest energy efficiency developments. www.aceee.org - American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. This website tracks federal energy legislation; provides energy efficiency tax incentive information; and has a home energy check list to follow for saving energy dollars right away. www.motherearthnews.com - An online version of Mother Earth News magazine. From renewable energy, to green homes, to sustainability, you'll find many recommendations on making your home more energy efficient. Visit Westar Energy's information booth at the Kansas State Fair Westar Energy will have an energy efficiency informational booth at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson Sept. 5 through Sept. 14. Stop by our table in the Sunflower South building and visit with us about how you can save money on your energy bill. We'll have a demonstration of the difference in energy use between traditional incandescent light bulbs and energy saving compact fluorescent light bulbs. We'll also have electric heat pump displays, and a variety of literature that will show you how to use energy more wisely. You can also spin our prize wheel for a chance to win a compact fluorescent light bulb, LED nightlight and other fun giveaways. Tip of the Month With winter a few months away, it's a good time to start thinking about weatherizing your home. The average home will cost about $50 to weatherize, but you can save two to three times that much in just one hearting season by properly sealing cracks around windows and doors and installing foam gaskets around wall outlets.