Install a ceiling fan

The Alliance to Save Energy tells us a ceiling fan will reduce your energy bills by providing additional cooling and better circulation so you can cut down air conditioning costs. And when you’re choosing a fan, look for one that’s marked as Energy Star-certified because it’ll move air up to 20 percent more efficiently than a conventional model. When selecting a ceiling fan, don’t be surprised to find an amazing array of styles, shapes and sizes at lighting retailers and home centers. To choose the appropriate size of fan, know the room measurements -- its length, width and ceiling height -- because the dimensions will determine the correct size fan that will do the best job of cooling the room.

An electrician will charge $619 to install a moderately priced 52-inch fan in a room with an existing overhead light fixture in the correct position. That includes the labor and material. A handy homeowner with experience with electrical projects and tools can buy a fan and bracket for $205, install it and save 67 percent. If there is no overhead light fixture in the ceiling, definitely hire an electrician to run a new electrical line to the location for the fan.

To find more DIY project costs and to post comments and questions, visit www.diyornot.com on your laptop, tablet or smartphone.

Pro Cost -- DIY Cost -- Pro time -- DIY Time -- DIY Savings -- Percent Saved

$619 -- $205 -- 1.6 -- 4.0 -- $414 -- 67 Percent

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