These hot summer days give new (non-political) meaning to the term Red States vs. Blue States. Here are my definitions.
Red State: A state in which you find yourself turning red from the heat, even in your own home, because you don't have central AC. This state is commonly accompanied by an uncontrollable desire to jump into any body of water available.
Blue State: A state in which you keep very cool indoors by cranking up the AC, but you worry that the size of your energy bill will exceed your car payment. So even though you're comfortable, you feel blue.
And this Red State vs. Blue State divide leads to the big debate: fans vs. central AC. With your permission, I would like to weigh in on this debate.
Many energy efficient experts are fan fanatics: they favor ceiling fans and standing fans over AC because of the "cool to cost" ratio. And there is certainly some truth to this. If you can't afford central AC right now, installing ceiling fans can make you more comfortable for a lot less.
However, there are some things to consider. Some ceiling funs use a LOT of electricity. And conversely, some AC systems are extremely energy efficient. So don't assume one is better than the other: do your homework, ask a lot of questions, check out the numbers.
You may decide that staying cool and comfortable is one of those "family values" that is worth more than money.
Red State: A state in which you find yourself turning red from the heat, even in your own home, because you don't have central AC. This state is commonly accompanied by an uncontrollable desire to jump into any body of water available.
Blue State: A state in which you keep very cool indoors by cranking up the AC, but you worry that the size of your energy bill will exceed your car payment. So even though you're comfortable, you feel blue.
And this Red State vs. Blue State divide leads to the big debate: fans vs. central AC. With your permission, I would like to weigh in on this debate.
Many energy efficient experts are fan fanatics: they favor ceiling fans and standing fans over AC because of the "cool to cost" ratio. And there is certainly some truth to this. If you can't afford central AC right now, installing ceiling fans can make you more comfortable for a lot less.
However, there are some things to consider. Some ceiling funs use a LOT of electricity. And conversely, some AC systems are extremely energy efficient. So don't assume one is better than the other: do your homework, ask a lot of questions, check out the numbers.
You may decide that staying cool and comfortable is one of those "family values" that is worth more than money.
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