First Alert Weather In-Depth: A viable alternative to air conditioning

ROCHESTER, NY – We’re nearing the big holiday weekend and for some, Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer. I like to think that Western New York will ease our way into the summer heat, but the temperatures this past week tell a different story. Above average temperatures were recorded in Rochester for almost all of the last seven days.

You may have heard that News10NBC is predicting that the warming trend will continue over the next few days. Enough for News 10NBC First Alert meteorologists to start eyeing record temperatures for the coming days. We’re forecasting temperatures in the mid to upper 80s for Tuesday and Wednesday, with a record high of 92 degrees both days. If this prediction comes true, the records will be safe.

But given the forecast, most people are starting to think about how to stay cool. Most of us use air conditioning, but for some of us it is not a good option due to cost. So what is a good alternative? How about a ceiling fan? Ceiling fans can significantly improve the comfort of your home while using less electricity. When using a ceiling fan, it is important to make sure the blades rotate in the correct direction. In summer we want the blades to rotate counterclockwise. This creates a downward movement of air, which can actually create a wind chill effect. There is also an advantage for the winter season. When you press the switch, the blades rotate clockwise, helping to mix the air in the room. However, since the air moves in the opposite direction, it does not produce a cooling effect. This air, flowing in the opposite direction, pushes heat from the ceiling and allows it to travel along the walls, distributing heat more evenly throughout your home.

My recommendation: If you want to achieve this cooling effect, set the fan speed to high mode. In summer there is nothing better than a refreshing breeze in your home.