When the temperature rises and becomes insufferably hot, most people can just stay inside their comfy, air-conditioned homes. But some don’t have the luxury of air conditioning, and fans can help make the heat bearable.
That’s why America’s Car-Mart has conducted its Community Fan Drive for over 25 years. We’ll donate the fans to local charities to help people in need beat the heat this summer.
“It gets so humid during the summer. Many of us take it for granted with our air conditioning, but it must be miserable for so many people, and we want to help,” says Steve Fisher, General Manager Trainer, Corporate Office, who has been involved with Car-Mart’s fan drives for over 20 years.
“At Car-Mart, we take it as an obligation to have a fan drive and help our communities. It’s who we are and what we stand for.”
Summer means heat and box fans can help
Fans help you stay cool. Just the breeze from the fan will make it seem cooler and increase your comfort level. Fans do more than circulate air – they can reduce dust and debris and keep the air clean.
Fans are also energy efficient and can help keep your electric bill down. A box fan will range from about 50 to 100 watts per hour, which translates to an average of $0.011 per hour. Running the fan for 24 hours would only add to about $0.26 on an electric bill.
Boosting Your Box Fan’s Efficiency – 5 Tips
Placing fans in the right spots can help improve their effectiveness in cooling your room or house. A box fan can be used in a window or on the floor. Here are 5 tips for getting the most out of your box fan:
- Put the box fan in front of a window facing toward the room. Or turn the fan around to push the hot, stagnant air out of the room. Placing the fan in a corner will provide airflow to everyone in the room.
- To cool the entire house, place box fans in the windows on the ground-level floor so that they draw in cool air. Place fans on the upper floor so that they pull air out of your home. This will create a flow of air throughout the entire house.
- Fill a large bowl with ice cubes and place the bowl in front of the fan. Point the fan at yourself and turn it on at medium speed. As the ice cubes melt, the fan will blow that cool air on you and into the room.
- Plug your fan into a properly fused or protected electrical source. Also, make sure your fan doesn’t appear to have problems. If it looks worn out, don’t use it. Be safe.
- Turn your fan off when you’re not at home. Fans are generally very safe and can run for years. It’s always best to be safe.
Here are some ways to stay cool and keep your house cool during warmer days:
- Keep windows and curtains/blinds closed to reduce the heat from coming into your house.
- Limit usage of your appliances – stoves, dishwashers, washers/dryers, etc. – especially during the heat of the day.
- Set your furnace thermostat as high as possible. The minimum recommended energy-efficient summer temperature is 78 degrees F.
Also, prepare cool meals – think salads and sandwiches; wrap a cold, wet towel around your neck and take frequent showers.
Want to help? Be a Fan!
Bring a box fan to your local America’s Car-Mart. We’ll take it from there. Learn more about our Community Fan Drive.
Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published in May 2022 and has been revised for accuracy and improved clarity.
