The costs of keeping cool this summer

JUNE 2008 UPDATE: Learn about ceiling fans, from the July 2008 issue of Consumer Reports, in our review of ceiling fans.

Don’t be surprised if you see your utility bill climb this summer. But don't blame only your power provider for the increase—the company is always going to pass along its increased costs to you. As consumers, we're all responsible for the growing cost of electricity. (Click on the chart at the end of this item to see the rise in annual residential electricity consumption and cost.)

According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration, the price of residential electricity is projected to rise by 2.6 percent during 2007, as consumption increases about 1.5 to 2 percent.

One way to keep your cooling costs down this summer is to replace older, less-efficient air conditioners with higher-efficiency ones. Our latest buyer’s guide to window air conditioners will help you find models that will keep you cool, run quietly, handle brownouts, and use less energy than the dinosaurs that struggle as the temperatures climb. Use our sizing worksheet to calculate what size A/C you need.

Whether or not you’re not in the market for a new A/C, be sure to read “Cool Runnings,” which provides simple ways to keep your air conditioners in shape and save energy and money.—Steven H. Saltzman

Steven Salerno (A/C illustration) 

Comments

[Michael Mowrer]

My small apartment in the Seattle area gets too warm for my liking, even though Seattle is not hot like Phoenix or Dallas.
I don't think air conditioning is in the cards, so I'm considering buying a fan. Haven't found a review of fans in Consumer Reports, so do you have any tips on buying one? Table fan?Freestanding?
Or is there such a thing as a freestanding air conditioning unit, that doesn't have to be installed in a window?

[Leslie McCall]

I second that--why isn't there a review of ceiling fans? That would be really helpful!!

[Margaret Aurand]

I agree. Why no ceiling fan reviews? I'm faced with replacing an expensive ceiling fan for a tenant who says it is noisy. I pay for a subscription just for this sort of thing, and get no guidance. Boo, hiss.

[Barbara Nelson]

Why cool the whole house when cooling one room with a ceiling fan will do; not to mention help reduce one's carbon footprint.
I believe many middle income and upscale homes make use of these devices - well, at least they purchase them.
Where, oh where, is the ceiling fan review?

[Bob]

Yes - why are there no ceiling fan reviews? It would really help me out. I'm looking at a $1000+ investment and need some independent advice.

[Kathy]

I agree. So far this year there haven't been reviews for any of the items in which I am interested, including ceiling fans. My subscription hardly seems worth it.

[Mark Neustrom]

I was surprised to see no reviews on ceiling fans. I was looking to add some ceiling fans to our home and wanted to do some due diligence first but no reviews to peruse. :(

[Jerome Cieciwa]

Looking to buy ceilings fans for our home. Want to know which are noisy, shake, rating of different brands. Hate to buy blind!!
Jerry

[Carolyn]

I had really hoped to find a comparison of ceiling fans at Consumer Reports. I'm with everyone else here: Why no reviews on them? Please do it! Thanks. Carolyn

[Paul]

please add ceiling fan review to your ASAP to dolist. Thanks

[Mickey Dotson]

Almost every home has a ceiling fan. And no reviews of the different kinds and capabilies? Very strange.

[Jack]

We have guests coming this summer and they'll be using our spare guest room which gets a little warm. Solution: Just log into CR and find the "best buy" in fans and purchased one. Just one little problem...NO REVIEW OF FANS.

[Leslie]

I agree. Do a review of ceiling fans. Unfortunately, the info will be too late for me as I need one NOW.

[Terri]

I would like to see reviews of ceiling fans, as well as table fans and evaporative coolers. All are much better choices for many of us than air conditioning, and much more 'green'.

[Louis]

Are there websites or consumer links to reviews on ceiling fans? Desperately seeking information / recommendations on fans.

[Lorraine]

Please add ceiling fans to you list of products reviewed - Please Please

[Randall Crocker]

I'm disappointed that there are no ratings of ceiling fans. It appears that CR is not monitoring these comments.

[Dawn M.]

I'm in the market to purchase ceiling fans and wanted to check out CR. I was told by a sales lady that Emerson fans were rated best by CR. Now I know she wasn't telling the truth unless it was many years ago. Please hurry with a report. thanks

[Jak]

I need information on ceiling fans. Lately many products reviewed by the Consumer Reports are related to TVs, computers and digital cameras. I feel my subscription is not providing any value.

[Jak]

I need information on ceiling fans. Lately many products reviewed by the Consumer Reports are related to TVs, computers and digital cameras. I feel my subscription is not providing any value.

[Jak]

I need information on ceiling fans. Lately many products reviewed by the Consumer Reports are related to TVs, computers and digital cameras. I feel my subscription is not providing any value.

[Randolph Price]

how about table fans as well.

[cathy cocco]

In addition to a review on ceiling fans, I think there should also be reviews about room fans. There are now fancy ones out there but are they worth it ?

[David]

I too came here for a ceiling fan review!.....

[Shelley Huston]

Yes, it is obvious that CR isn't monitoring these comments. By the time they get around to even writing an article about fans, we will be into winter. This is shortsightedness on CR's part. In an era where saving energy is a primary concern, where is CR? I'm disappointed. And we will all have to just take our chances with our fan purchase. grump.

[Paul & Norma in Kona]

I am glad you have this posting site to at least let me know I must not be crazy. I would have "Bet the Ranch" you guys would have a review on ceiling fans. Building a new house and we will be buying 7 or 8 fans, prices ranging from $90 to 400. I could sure use some help.

[Penny]

A couple of years ago, or maybe one year ago, you published a review of ceiling fans. Can you tell me where I can find the article? And if you can't, I believe the top rated fan was a _____ Breeze (can't remember the first name) that was sold at Lowes. Can you please let me know?

[Lita Arnold]

We live in a 3-story townhouse and it's always colder in the lowest level and hottest in the highest level. We've tried using portable fans to move the air, with no success. Will a ceiling fan suspended from the top level ceiling help?

[pat]

I signed on for the immediate need of ceiling fans??? I am really disappointed with CR- What a waste of time and money!

[Sean]

Please add a review section for ceiling fans! Summer is not even here yet and we're already feeling the heat!!!

[Karen Kaminsky]

Second year in a row I've come to CR website to look up ceiling fans. Reviewed websites on my own and bought a Casablanca. Now I want to buy smaller ones for quest bedrooms - and still no reviews - what gives?

[Sarah]

Just went into your website to see reviews of fans (ceiling, table, or floor.) Alas, once again I am disappointed to not see any reveiws on what I need. I think maybe it would be a good idea for CR to have a survey to see what products your subscribers would like to see reviewed. I realize there are a lot of products out there, but I've never seen reviews on some things which are fairly common. Please help.

[Teresa]

S-H-O-C-K-E-D .... that CR would NOT have a review of ANY ceiling fans. PLEASE...PLEASE...PLEASE add ceiling fans to your review list. I'm about to drop over $1000.00 on much needed ceiling fans and HATE to do this without the CR reviews and advice. Have I become too dependent on CR??? Maybe so.

[Jack H]

Where are the ceiling fan reviews?!!

[Beth]

Yes, I'd like to see some kind of review of fans - all types - ceiling fans, to in window, tabletop, etc. and maybe if some are more efficient than others...

[Ralph]

Are you people ever going to do a review on Ceiling Fans? Whats up? Not what I paid for.

[Jenny Price-Smith]

DITTO DITTO DITTO to all above, especially the part about a big investment, carbon footprint concerns, shake, rattle/stability. At least let us know what your plan is to address this issue ASAP!

[Marie Locke]

I agree with above posts. A ceiling fan review would be very helpful in evaluating the variety of choices on the market.

[CR Editor]

May 31, 2008
We'll be posting some coverage of ceiling fans on this blog and ConsumerReports.org next week.

Steven, Home & Garden blog editor

[Ed Cunningham]

We get reviews of closet organizers, garage organizers, bed toppers, light bulbs, and tortilla chips, which are cheap & inconsequential. We get reviews of "stores" (of course nobody needs CR to review the national chains, and reviews of regional stores are irrelevant to the bulk of your consumers).
But nothing on ceiling fans, which can be very expensive, really affect "quality of life," and are best installed by hiring a qualified electrician.
As you can see from the many previous comments, your paying customers are neither pleased nor satisfied.

[Susanna]

Thank you; would really appreciate a ceiling fan review.

[Eve]

I was certainly surprised not to find a review of window fans in CR. With all the emphasis on saving energy, what better way that a fan to keep cool? Please notify me if there is one imminent. Already have a ceiling fan.

[Lynne]

Yes, I'm on your team! It said moderators read this. Maybe they do? And just ignoring us?

I also signed up for to find the best fans. And no review for a ceiling fan? No portable fan or air circulator either?

I'm very disappointed, too.

[Peter]

Ceiling fans are certainly helpful. But what about window fans and whole house fans? I will be getting a window fan to exhaust warm air and draw in cool air at night through the only open windows, in the bedroom. A whole house fan, say 36", built into the ceiling, can move significant amounts of air through the house when it is cooler outside than in, at far less cost than air conditioning. More attention to "green" cooling, please.

[ZA]

Shocked to see this many subscribers (me too) waiting for a ceilng fan (outdoor ones too!) to be reviewed. Could you please let us all know whe to expect such a review?
Thanks,

[Tim]

I too was hoping to find comparisons on ceiling fans. Consumer Reports is the first place I look before I start shopping. Disappointed.

[Linda Smith]

I was very disappointed to discover that there was no review for ceiling fans. Are you planning are doing one and if so when can we expect it?

[tarheel40]

I have had the best luck with Monte Carlo ceiling fans, buying online. For window fans, Holmes is the best that I have found. I was born and raised in North Carolina, lived several years in Daytona Beach with no ac, and now live in Ohio-where I do not run my ac because it isn't that hot.

[Warren MacEvoy]

We need a review of evaporative coolers. There are many "high end" models with little means to really compare their claims of efficiency to a more standard brand. Also the material choice for the housing and the value of the electrodes to reduce rusting would all be great things to review.

[Corrie Austin]

I'm renting so ceiling fans are not an option, but room fans would help a lot! Do you know how many styles, prices and brands of fans there are?! One can only go to Consumer Reports, right? No, so now what? Take my low budget chances.

[Brid Schenkl]

I was hoping to find a review on portable ACs/evaporative coolers as well...

[Elizabeth Crepeau]

Since energy efficiency is such an important issue, would you review whole house fans. In the North East these should be good solutions to cooling the house if one is not interested in air conditioning which has a huge carbon footpring.

[kpfarrer]

CR - Please review ceiling fans AND whole house fans. I am here today looking for whole house fan info & reviews and cannot find info. Thank you.

[Lrocki]

Yes, please review ceiling fans. We are adding one to new construction and came here for a review. I did find the short blurbs somewhat informative (size was a question) but a review of at least the individual brands would have been helpful. There is, I hear, a type of ceiling fan at Home Depot whose blade design moves more air, allowing you to run the fan at a lower speed... Don't know which, or whether the claims are true. A review could investigate the question. I do hope someone from CR reads this!

[patricia parr]

Why no information on portable air conditioners and air coolers?

[Ben Popken]

Please review window fans.

[RS]

I would like to find reviews for evaporative coolers (swamp coolers) in here as well.

[Joan]

I, too wonder why no reviews on evaporative or portable evaporative coolers? I live in the southwest, in a very dry climate, where many use evaporative coolers instead of air conditioning.

[Charlie]

I too am looking up portable a/c, and can't find any information on them. They look too good to be true - no hard installation, and usable in my vinyl windows that I don't want to put screw holes in. I'm afraid they seem "unusual", and noticing that CR isn't reviewing them even in passing...

[Jeanne M.]

Urgent! Instead of an air conditioner, or even a fan (I personally find the ones with the metal blades work much better than any other.), why doesn't Consumer Reports do a 'survey' on Personal Air Coolers? I have a friend had one a few years back and it cooled not just one room but actually two. Is there any reason as to why (besides having to fill the system with water from time to time, which we didn't mind in the least, because the cool-cold air coming out felt "great", it just might cut down on the bills.) the 'coolers' aren't 'advertised' any where near the way air conditioners are? Thanks.

[Eve]

Add me to the list of people looking for a detailed review of ceiling fans. We need to replace 3 in our home and have always trusted CR's reviews. Soon?

[Patti]

I just subscribed to CR only to find nothing on portable fans or ceiling fans. I feel I wasted my money - come on - fans in June? - certainly there should have been a review before this. NO FAN REVIEW IN CR; NO CR FAN HERE.

[Mary]

Why no reviews on portable air conditioners? There seem to be a lot of them out there for sale. Many of the brands I see--DeLonghi, Royal Sovereign, Danby--you don't mention in your online report.

[Deb Champagne]

I agree! We are in the market for a portable AC, so as not to block out a window. What's up??

[H.G.]

As a 40-year subscriber to Consumer Reports, I agree wholeheartedly with the frustration found on this Web site. I too need basic guidance on personal coolers and portable air-conditioners, and yet find nothing. Consumer Reports needs an ombudsman to deal with public complaints --- something like The New York Times's public editor. Your organization is far too conservative and aloof, as evidenced by a failure to provide in-house replies to the many serious points that disappointed writers raise. What you've provided instead is simply a valve for consumers to use to let off steam. If your planning for magazine content overlooks basic products like coolers and you awaken to this oversight past production deadlines, then provide the material on this Web site in a timely way. As a way of applying pressure to lazy planners in your organization, I would recommend that the public not respond to your fund-raising appeals until you rectify this anti-consumer stance --- yes, anti-consumer, despite your chosen mandate.

[Kathy]

No reviews on portable air conitioners or evaporative coolers.
So far I have not found any. Portable air conditions are in the market and big box stores.These items seem the the solution for alot of consumers for a variety of reasons. Too bad we can not find any ratings on your site.

[Janet]

PLEASE respond to the urgent pleadings of your customers and post reviews of 1) Portable A/C 2) Ceiling Fans ASAP.

[jim roehr]

I also agree with reference to comments as to the lack of a review devoted to portable air conditioners. We have an expanded cape and my son's bedroom is upstairs with just one large window. I'm in the market for a portable AC so as not to block his potentially only exit in case of a house fire but find no ratings. Further there appear to be huge differences in energy efficiency ratings between models all of which appear more expensive than comparable window units. An indepth review would be very useful how they compare Royal Sovereign, Haier, Amcor, Delonghi and Danby - dual hose vs. single hose etc......

[Dale]

Would also like info on portable air conditioners. Thanks.

[Don]

I agree as well. I just ordered a portable AC plus heat unit, but wanted to check out what CR said first, but was disappointed. I did the best I could piecing together features, electrical requirements, performance, and condensate management from various retail and manufacturer web sites. If you do evaluate portable AC units, please also review the value of purchasing extended warranties - I had to since this is a big unknown.

[Kathryn]

I too am looking for reviews on the newest whole house fans. With all of the talk about going green, I don't understand why there aren't any ratings and reviews.

[Jan]

I just went to look for reviews of outdoor ceiling fans and read with interest the many comments regarding the lack of responsiveness by CR. The comments begin over a year ago (June 13, 2007) and the only response from CR was on May 31, 2008
"We'll be posting some coverage of ceiling fans on this blog and ConsumerReports.org next week."

Steven, Home & Garden blog editor

Well, Steven, it is well over a week since you posted that. What is the delay all about? Would it take too much time to check in on this blog at least weekly? You and CR are really dropping the ball here.

[Jillian Kemper]

I have been searching for a consumer review on free standing fans--I've purchased, and returned, three in the last three days trying to find one that works well and is quiet. I was very surprised to see how many people are also looking for a review of fans.

Please let me know when I can expect one, or send any information you have on them to me.

Thanking you in advance...Extremely warm in Fresno

[Scott]

Casement windows are not the only design into which an air conditioning units might be placed. It would be helpful to have reviews appropriate to a variety of window types. I would also like to see reviews of portable air conditioning units.

[Sally]

Ditto!!!

A whole house fan (NOT attic fan or ceiling fan) is a really effective way to cool for a LOT less energy than any kind of air conditioner--portable or otherwise. Ceiling fans move air around, but don't exhaust hot air or bring COOL EVENING OR MORNING AIR in. But choosing one is proving more complicated than I had expected and newer models (at twice the price or more) offer features that I'm not sure are worth the cost. Please review WHOLE HOUSE FANS Pronto!

[Gail Heylmun]

I rely on Consumer Reports for guidance before I make a great many purchases. However, failing to review fans and energy efficient evaporative coolers that can serve as an effective substitute for electric intensive air conditioning reflects a surprising lack of awareness of the needs of its subscribers. Air conditioners are fine if you want to pay the bill and use the energy, but for those of us who want to reduce our carbon footprint, PLEASE review fans (window, ceiling, room, and whole house), personal coolers, and evaporative coolers, which work great where the temperatures are high and the humidity is low. Hurry!

[Heidi]

I was hoping to find info on portable air conditioners. Oh well, I'll make my own decision. As far as all of you ceiling fan people, I have three in my house and have no problem with any. Just make sure of course that they are firmly installed, don't go cheap and get a cheap job. I have Hampton Bay and I bought them at Home Depot. They weren't even expensive. Global Warming is now kicking us in the teeth! It's hot here on the central coast of California and it's not supposed to be.

[Tara]

It would be great to have guidance and ratings on portable air conditioning units. HOA's don't allow window units to be hanging out the windows.

[K Hale]

I'll repeat the frequent request already posted and ask why there is no review of whole house fans?
Like most subscribers I depend on Consumer Reports to help me make sense of all the misinformation provided by marketeers and salespeople. We need CR to look at this. What are you waiting for?

[Yvonne]

To carry on from Sally's remark, we're looking for a cost effective way to cool down the house in the evening. Our house warms up into the 90s during the day, and then stays that way even though the temperature outside has dropped to the low 70s at night. We'd prefer to use appropriate fan ventilation to cool instead of on turning on an air conditioner. As such, we're interested in quality window fans and are now interested in what the whole house fan is. It would be nice if consumer reports expanded their research in this area.

[twinz92]

Portable air conditioners...please.

[RJ Carter]

I'll throw my hat into the ring as well. I am here looking for a review on a whole house fan, and I was surprised not to find it. Please review whole house fans for next summer. Thanks, and keep up the great work, we do appreciat it!

[Monatte McGee]

I am extremely disappointed. I just subscribed to ConsumerReports.org yesterday. I was going to research ceiling fans tonight and purchase them tomorrow and now I discover there are no reviews. Someone needs to get on this. Thank you.

[Melvina Ray-Davis]

I am disappointed not to find any ratings on portable fans, either floor models or table top. My daughter lives in a 5th floor apt in Brooklyn and while both she and her roommate have a/c units in their bedrooms, they are trying to keep the other rooms cool without breaking the bank with electricity usage of an additional unit. A quiet portable fan would be good. Just don't know which one to buy. Thanks, M

[CRS]

Certainly also wish you had a consumer's report on AeroCool evaporative coolers because my mother got one that definitely does not work. Had I been able to find more consumer information on them for her, I would guess she would have looked at a different brand.

[Mike]

Disappointed that I cannot find any info at all on Evaporator (swamp) coolers. Been a Consumer Reports subscriber for several decades, recently moved to Phoenix from Ohio, and have learned that the swamp cooler on my home needs replaced. As usual, came here to get at LEAST a leg up on this niche. I see other comments saying the same. Would be nice to see this be a priority, however it will be too late for me.....

[Barbara]

I cannot find ratings for central air conditioning units or central heating units. Please direct me to the correct information.
Thank you

[Dave]

Ceiling Fans! CR is really missing the boat on this one. It's definatly in demand, look at the comments above!
The little "Overview", "How to Choose", and "What to look for" offer nothing more than any other free website with ceiling fans, what is the value added by paying for a subscription???
Seems like they have a quite a gap when it comes to home cooling.

[CsBrunton]

As usual CR reports on nothing helpful.... An HVAC system is a major purchase and there is nothing of any substance to help about systems out there! Likewise if it's over $200 they bomb the product.. CR you get what you pay for just like my subscription to your lousy website. That is until TODAY!!! BYE.

[Leigh]

We are very disappointed that there are no reviews on evaporative coolers. We are in the market to buy one since it's starting to get uncomfortably warm here (Colorado). We can see from the other comments that there are many others who are disappointed as well! BOO CONSUMER REPORTS!

[ReNee Warren]

Please review swamp coolers (evaporative coolers). ASAP please!!!

[Dan]

In addition to information and ratings on ceiling fans, what about window box fans? Surely, the ability to draw in air that is cooler outside into a house to cool it off, on some evenings, would make ones house more comfortable, sleeping better quality and reduce energy costs, at least a little bit. CR should do a piece on this.

[Katie]

We have ceiling fans that work great in our home during the day in the high desert. However for hot nights like the one we're having tonight swamp coolers are the way to go-- wish there were reviews to pick through. I hope CR adds them.

[Chris]

In in the age of environmental consciousnesses it would be nice to get some information on A/C alternative like Evaporative Coolers (Swamp Cooler). They appear to be a great alternative in dry climate, potentially using only a fraction of the energy required for A/C.

[Wanda Braswell]

I, too, have been looking for ratings and information on central air conditioning and central heating units. I may need to replace mine in the very near future and haven't a clue as to the best/most reliable brand would be. Please do reviews on them soon!

[DENIS C.]

I, too, have been looking for ratings and information on central air conditioning and central heating units. My air compressor ceased today and I need to replace it or the entire (compressor replacement would cost about $2300 to replace vs. about $3500 for a new outside unit. I also need to make a decision on whether to replace with R22 (Freon) vs. Pureon. If I convert to Puron, I will need to also replace the indoor unit so the system is compatible (now the entire cost rising to $5300). Next year, all new units will be Pureon only & I have heard from different HVAC contractors that Freon could cost as much as $700 a pound (on average, Central AC units maintain 7 lbs) so if a leak occurs, you'll need to empty your wallet to have the system recharged. Please do reviews on both indoor & outdoor units very soon!

[BobM]

Hey Guys, First off, You're doing a great job. I read with a heavy heart all the negative comments concerning fans. I would love to see a review but I understand that when I want/need one you may not have a review. Yes, we rarely venture out for a purchase w/o consulting CR so we feel vulnerable about fans.
I realize there is a limitation to your efforts...gee what about gasoline-hey we all use it, why aren't people beefing about the quality of gasoline or the lack of a review on gasoline?
I get a laugh out of reading about the guy canceling his subscription because there are no ceiling fan reviews. Come on, life's too short. How did we ever make a buying decision before your magazine? We can make a few on our own, can't we?

[DFischer]

I have been searching the net for whole house fans and found several brands and a couple styles. This is a viable green option that deserves review. I owned a house in the past that had one and it was wonderful, but what about the improvements that have been made ?

[Trice]

I already have ceiling fans in every room and have the wrong roof for a whole house fan. What is left is a swamp cooler.

I was hoping CR would be onto this one. From Wikipedia I can learn that there are three kinds of evaporative coolers - direct, indirect and two stage. But which is best for a hot dry climate? What about brands,danger of Legionnaire's Disease?

Sounds like we all need your help on non-AC cooling.

[Bill Collier]

I join the several requests for a review of whole house fans. They are greener than air conditioning, but as several commentators have made clear, choosing on the basis of efficiency, noise level, cost, etc. isn't that easy for most of us, and a review by Consumer Reports would be most welcome!