Ceiling fans can cut your electric bills year-round, but before you run out and buy one for every room, it’s important to be wiser how fans can help you save energy. If you install a ceiling fan and don’t adjust your thermostat settings accordingly, you may be more comfortable–but you also could be increasing your monthly electric bills.

During winter, flip the small switch on the side of the ceiling fan housing to reverse the blade rotation to clockwise. Run the fan on low speed so it creates a gentle upward breeze away from people in the room. This will push the warm air at the ceiling back down into the room, where it’s needed. Then set your furnace a few degrees lower to save more.