Keeping cool in the summer can be expensive. Using fans to increase air flow in any home can dramatically reduce energy costs throughout the year.

Step 1: Energy-efficient cooling starts with proper maintenance of the air-conditioning unit. Service the air conditioner at the beginning of each season. Keep outdoor air units clean and free of debris. If possible, shade the unit, but be sure not to obstruct air flow when doing so.

Step 2: Use ceiling fans to make a room feel 5 degrees cooler than it actually is. Ceiling fans cool people, not places. Turn fans off in unoccupied rooms, but dial up the thermostat all day long. Install ceiling fans 7 to 9 feet above the ground, 10 to 12 inches below the ceiling and 18 inches from the wall. Larger blade fans move air effectively at slower speeds. Choose a large blade fan for office areas or places where excessive air flow might be problematic.

Step 3: If ceiling fans are not an option, use table fans or stand fans to create the same effect. Position the fan so it moves air through the most occupied part of the room. Movement of the air around people and pets is the key to efficient cooling. Oscillating fans are great for larger rooms and rooms with more activity.

Step 4: Use window fans on milder days in place of air conditioning. Position the window fan to blow air out from inside the home. Open a corresponding window on the opposite side of the room or home to create cross ventilation. When operated properly, window fans can create a breeze in an otherwise stagnant setting by pulling air across the room and pushing it outdoors.

Step 5: Use a whole house fan to cool without using the air conditioning at all. Open windows and doors, then turn on the fan. The fan should pull air throughout the home; circulating the air in the home over 60 times in one day.

Step 6: Help keep any home cooler by installing a solar power attic fan to help pull hot air out of the attic in the summer and to reduce moisture accumulation in the winter.

Step 7: Reduce the effects of radiant heat from the sun by shutting draperies and shades on the east side of the home in the morning and on the west side of the home in the afternoon.

— Have a home improvement question for the Fix-It Chick? Email it to Linda Cottin at features@ljworld.com.