Four case studies demonstrate how fans can help reduce energy costs and create greener, more comfortable schools. Research shows that student attendance and performance improve when schools go green. In schools that rely on traditional HVAC systems and natural ventilation, fans can be used to give HVAC systems a break and keep both students and teachers comfortable.
In the summer, air movement created by fans makes people feel up to 10°F cooler, which means the thermostat can be set higher without discomfort. Each degree the thermostat is offset saves between 3-6% of the energy spent on cooling. In the winter, slow turning fans push warm air trapped at the ceiling down, so heaters run less frequently, saving schools up to 30% on heating energy costs, without making students and teachers stock up on sweaters.
