Cheaper than air conditioning, ceiling fans circulate the air without providing an arctic blast. Varying speeds make them suitable for any kind of weather, cooling a place in the heat of summer or cutting through a stuffy home when it’s cold outside.

“In the winter, you want the blades to spin counterclockwise, to draw the warm air up from the floor and then circulate it back down to the room,” notes Brad Staggs, who offers home repair and remodeling advice on DIY Network’s “Ask DIY.” “In the summertime, you want the blades to circulate clockwise, so that you’re creating a breeze.”

Fans can be used in any room in the house, from main rooms to patios, verandas, kitchens and even bathrooms.

According to the American Lighting Association, ceiling fans can cut a homeowner’s energy bill by up to 40 percent in summer and 10 percent in winter. Fans in summer can cool temperatures by as much as 7 degrees, the association says, and recirculate the heat in winter.

When shopping for a ceiling fan, consider its purpose — circulation, coolness or both — and the attachments you wish to go with the fan. A checklist using points from ceilingfans.com, a fan distributor, will help when buying:

— Color and design. A Victorian-style fan may not do well in a chic, ultra-modern bedroom. This includes blade design, material, even the texture of the casing. Do you want your fan to have lights? Consider how the fan will fit in the general-room scheme.

— Speed and noise. How fast a fan spins and the noise it creates can make all the difference in the world. The motor’s power may make a difference according to the season, and quiet fans tend to be more expensive. If possible, test the fan to see if it shakes or wobbles.

— Brand. Ask around about different brands and their reliability. Make sure the motor parts are replaceable, and try to determine how often they need to be repaired or replaced.

— Control. See if the fan has a remote control system or can be controlled by a dimmer switch. Decide whether pull-chains are suitable. The number of speed control options also should be considered.

“The benefit” of remote control “is that you can be lazy,” notes Staggs. “If you have a vaulted ceiling that you truly can’t reach, you might want one. But they are expensive, anywhere from $40 to $100, so take that into consideration.”

— Height from the ceiling. Most fan firms have a formula on their Web sites to figure out what size fan will fit according to the size of the room.

— Installation steps. See how complicated the set-up is and whether you are willing or able to undertake the project.

— Warranty. Fans have motors, motors break down, motors need to be fixed, motors need parts.

For energy efficiency, see if the fan bears the Energy Star Label. In 1992, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency introduced Energy Star as a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. According to Energy Star, ceiling fans that have earned its label move air up to 20 percent more efficiently than standard models.

Once the fan is installed, be vigilant about upkeep, especially since the machines are dust magnets. Twice a year, turn the fan off and perform routine maintenance:

— Oil the fan’s motor with a quality lubricant

— Thoroughly clean the motor’s interior.

— Clean the blades and blade irons.

On the Web:

— Energy Star: www.energystar.gov

— www.diynetwork.com