How to save big on summer travel with a few smart moves
How to save big on summer travel with a few smart moves

How to save big on summer travel with a few smart moves

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Diverging Reports Breakdown

Travel Inflation Report: May 2025

Average U.S. hotel and motel room rates are down by 2.4%. Airfares are down an incredible 7.9%. Overall prices for the past 12 months through April 2025 rose 2.3% before seasonal adjustment. But even if prices are lower based on the data versus last year, that doesn’t mean traveling is cheap. Even so, there are some smart moves you can take now to reduce the price of your next trip. The Travel Price Index combines data from individual travel categories tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) Consumer Price Index, such as airfares, lodging, meals and rental cars. The data also compares those costs to prices from one month and one year earlier and to prices 10 years ago. It’s pretty unheard of for prices to drop over that period of time, especially considering that the prices for all items tracked by BLS are up 35.6% over that same period, according to the BLS. The Data is based on data from NerdWallet.

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For the second month in a row, travel costs are down. By some metrics, they’re down by a lot. Hotel room rates are down 2.4% over the past year. Rental car costs are down 2.1%. Airfares are down an incredible 7.9%.

All in all, average travel costs are 2% lower than they were this time in 2024, according to NerdWallet’s Travel Price Index, which combines data from individual travel categories tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) Consumer Price Index, such as airfares, lodging, meals and rental cars.

Not only is that 2% decrease in travel costs a relief for Americans who may be planning summer vacations during economic uncertainty, but it comes at a time when prices for most other things are rising. Overall prices for the past 12 months through April 2025 rose 2.3% before seasonal adjustment, according to BLS data.

But even if prices are lower based on the data versus last year, that doesn’t mean traveling is cheap. Even so, there are some smart moves you can take now to reduce the price of your next trip. Check out our money-saving travel suggestions below.

Travel costs today vs. pre-pandemic

The Travel Price Index shows a 2% decrease in travel prices from April 2024.

Relative to pre-pandemic prices, April 2025 travel costs are up just 12% versus March 2019 (the last normal, full March before the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic). That’s far lower than the 25.5% price increase across all items.

Not every product experiences inflation at the same rate — especially when it comes to travel. Some trips might actually be more or less expensive than in the past, depending on if you’re driving versus flying, if you’re staying in a hotel and whether it involves a rental car.

To help you better understand how travel prices have changed, NerdWallet honed in on five categories:

Airfare.

Car rentals.

Food away from home.

Hotels.

Movies, theaters and concerts.

NerdWallet then compared those costs to prices from one month and one year earlier.

And to broaden the perspective, the data also compares today’s prices to prices 10 years ago. Here’s what today’s travel prices look like:

How airfares have changed

When comparing April 2025 prices to April 2024, U.S. airfares are down by 7.9%.

When compared to prices 10 years ago, airfares are actually down even more — by 13.2%. It’s pretty unheard of for prices to drop over that period of time, especially considering that the prices for all items tracked by BLS are up 35.6% over that same period.

How airfare prices have changed April 2025 vs. March 2025 (MoM). Up 1.2%. April 2025 vs. April 2024 (YoY). Down 7.9%. April 2025 vs. April 2015 (Change over the past 10 years). Down 13.2%.

So if airfares are down, why do they feel so high? There are a few reasons, including unbundling, where airlines advertise lower fares (often in the form of basic economy seats that offer few frills).

But low base fares typically come with upcharges in the form of ancillary fees to check bags, to guarantee a window seat or for early boarding. Those extra prices are not captured in this data — despite it still impacting one’s travel budget.

In fact, Southwest Airlines announced in March 2025 that it would end its popular and longstanding policy of allowing all travelers to check two bags for free for flights booked on or after May 28, 2025. Keep an eye out in the coming months to see how that impacts airfares.

How hotel room rates have changed

Average U.S. hotel and motel room rates are down by 2.4%. Though not as big a drop as airfares, it’s still a significant drop, as it means summer travelers this year can generally expect to pay less for the same hotel room than they did last year.

And additionally, while hotel room rates are up 21.7% over the past 10 years, that’s also less than the 35.6% increase across all items.

How lodging prices have changed April 2025 vs. March 2025 (MoM). Up 2.5%. April 2025 vs. April 2024 (YoY). Down 2.4%. April 2025 vs. April 2015 (Change over the past 10 years). Up 21.7%.

How rental car prices have changed

High rental car prices were one of the biggest stories of pandemic-era travel. But after a huge spike, prices have continued to recover. In April 2025, rental car prices are up 5.5% versus the month prior. But considering they’re down 2.1% versus the year prior, it’s still good news.

How car rental prices have changed April 2025 vs. March 2025 (MoM). Up 5.5%. April 2025 vs. April 2024 (YoY). Down 2.1%. April 2025 vs. April 2015 (Change over the past 10 years). Up 23.9%.

How restaurant prices have changed

Food prices consistently rise nearly every month, and this month was no exception. In April 2025, the cost of food away from home was up 3.9% versus the same month in 2024.

The cost of dining out has increased dramatically in the past decade, with April 2025 prices 49.2% higher than what they were in April 2015. That’s higher than the 35.6% inflation rate across all items, meaning restaurant prices have risen more than many other categories of goods.

How restaurant prices have changed April 2025 vs. March 2025 (MoM). Up 0.4%. April 2025 vs. April 2024 (YoY). Up 3.9%. April 2025 vs. April 2015 (Change over the past 10 years). Up 49.2%.

How the price of movies, theaters and concerts has changed

Tickets for movies, theaters and concerts are rising faster than the average rate of inflation, up by 3.4% over the past year.

How the prices of movies, theaters and concerts have changed April 2025 vs. March 2025 (MoM). Up 1.1%. April 2025 vs. April 2024 (YoY). Up 3.4%. April 2025 vs. April 2015 (Change over the past 10 years). Up 38.4%.

Smart money move: Use travel rewards cards to book

Paying for travel with points and miles versus cash isn’t as daunting a task as it may seem. Frequent flyer miles and hotel points can be accrued not just for recurring travel, but through other outlets as well. Credit card rewards and welcome bonuses can be one of the most popular ways to accrue a big stash of points for a lot less effort than living your life out of a suitcase.

In addition, travel credit cards can offer various money-saving perks, like:

Here are some of the best credit cards that offer travel-related statement credits.

Top travel cards Chase Sapphire Reserve® NerdWallet Rating NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card’s rates, fees, rewards and other features. Apply now on Chase’s website Rates & Fees Citi Strata Premier℠ Card NerdWallet Rating NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card’s rates, fees, rewards and other features. Apply now on Citibank’s application Rates & Fees Annual fee $550. $95. Rewards earn rate • 10 points per $1 on Chase Dining, hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase. • 5 points per $1 on flights purchased through Chase. • 3 points per $1 on other travel and dining not booked with Chase. • 1 point per $1 on other purchases. • 10 ThankYou® points per $1 spent on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked through Citi’s travel portal. • 3 points per $1 on air travel and other hotel purchases. • 3 points per $1 on supermarkets. • 3 points per $1 on gas stations and EV charging stations. • 3 points per $1 on restaurants. • 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. Travel credit benefit $300 annual travel credit. $100 in airline incidental statement credits. Still not sure? Read Review Read Review

If you’re planning to travel in 2025…

If you’re building your next vacation budget based on how much you spent last year, you might need to factor in spending more on hotels and eating out. Fortunately, you can still save on travel with a little planning.

To avoid the costs of eating out, head to local grocery stores — which can be a fun activity on its own — or pack snacks from home. While in an airport, head to the lounge. Many credit cards have partnerships with airport lounge networks (Priority Pass is a popular one) where you can typically expect complimentary snacks and drinks.

Methodology

NerdWallet conducted an analysis of the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index data released by the U.S. Department of Labor, which was most recently updated in May 2025 and measures prices of items like travel, groceries and cars. Some prices change more than others.

Keep in mind, this data is based on April 2025 information, even though it is released in May 2025. Prices you see may have increased or decreased compared to this data, because it lags one month behind.

And even within the realm of travel, some expenses might go up, while others might go down.

The NerdWallet Travel Price Index combines data from the Consumer Price Index, weighted by the estimated spending in each category, which is based on 2019 travel expenditure data from the BLS.

Here are the spending categories considered, and how heavily each was weighted:

Source: Nerdwallet.com | View original article

The 6 Best Tower Fans To Efficiently Keep You Cool This Summer

The Dreo Smart Tower Fan Pilot Max S is our top overall pick for its powerful airflow. For a compact but still powerful pick, we chose the 13-inch-tall Honeywell QuietSet Table Fan. For more ideas on how to keep your home cool and dry this summer, see our curated guides to the best window ACs and dehumidifiers for basements. The best tower fans in 2025 excel at cooling while being energy-efficient. We have recommendations from Dreo, Honeywell, Lasko and more for you to check out in the U.S. and around the world, including Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and in the UK and Australia. The U.K. and Canada are available in the following countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States, with prices starting at $99.99 for a 12-inch model and going up to $199 for a 14-inch version. The most popular tower fans are available from Amazon, Best Buy and other retailers.

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A tower fan can make a room feel significantly cooler by circulating air efficiently—all while taking up less room than a traditional standing fan. But not every model offers the same benefits, so our team of expert home editors set out to find the best tower fans for different spaces and needs. The Dreo Smart Tower Fan Pilot Max S is our top overall pick for its powerful airflow, smart controls and ultra-quiet operation. For a compact but still powerful pick, we chose the 13-inch-tall Honeywell QuietSet Table Fan, which features multiple speeds and a white noise setting.

The best tower fans in 2025 excel at cooling while being energy-efficient. We have recommendations … More from Dreo, Honeywell, Lasko and more. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTOS: RETAILERS

When it comes to choosing a tower fan, having several speed options is key—and not just for user control, according to Carl Prouty, a tech expert at Abt Electronics. “Having a lower fan speed setting also ensures a quieter operation,” he says. Features like an oscillation angle that’s wide enough in proportion to your space, as well as a high CFM (a.k.a. cubic feet per minute, a measure of how much air a fan can move in 60 seconds) of at least 500, can also make a difference, Prouty adds.

In addition to keeping those key factors in mind, we evaluated extra features like an automatic shut-off and an included remote. We also considered a wide range of users, from those seeking ultra-quiet options to ones who prefer high-powered models that move air across large spaces. Below, find the six best tower fans based on our selective criteria and guidance from experts. (For more ideas on how to keep your home cool and dry this summer, see our curated guides to the best window ACs and dehumidifiers for basements.)

Best Tower Fan Overall Smart, Quiet And Powerful, With Wide Airflow Coverage MOST POPULAR Amazon Dreo Smart Tower Fan Pilot Max S Dimensions: 12.8 x 12.8 x 42.5 inches | Number of speeds: 12 | CFM: 1,475 | Timer: 1 to 12 hours | Remote: Yes | Oscillation range: 30 to 120 degrees | Noise range: 25 to 48 decibels What you’ll love: Smart controls via app, remote or voice command

Wide oscillation for full-room air circulation

Offers 12 speed settings while operating quietly

Removable rear grill makes cleaning dust easier Keep in mind: More expensive than basic models

Remote can be trickier to use than the app A good tower fan should cool down a room without calling too much attention to itself. The Dreo Smart Tower Fan Pilot Max S does exactly that: It pushes air at speeds up to 27 feet per second (or 1,475 cubic feet per minute) while staying quieter than most refrigerators. For reference, Prouty says that anything above a 500 CFM is high for a tower fan—and that 1,475 for this product type is indeed one of the highest he’s seen. Plus, on low, the Pilot Max S hovers around 25 decibels, which is slightly softer than a whisper. Unlike budget fans that stick to around three speeds, this one has 12, plus four modes that let you tweak exactly how much air it moves. Meanwhile, the 120-degree oscillation helps keep most of a room cool. If you don’t want to adjust settings manually, this fan is indeed as smart as its name implies: The auto mode senses the room’s temperature and speeds up or slows down accordingly, and you can control it from the couch or outside your home using the Dreo smartphone app, Alexa or Google Assistant. Another feature we like is its removable rear grill to make maintenance easier; by comparison, many tower fans require taking apart the whole unit to clear out dust.

Best Compact Tower Fan A Portable, Oscillating Tabletop Model Amazon Honeywell QuietSet Mini Tower Table Fan Dimensions: 13 x 5.1 x 5.1 inches | Number of speeds: 4 speeds | CFM: Unlisted (around 30) | Timer: 2 to 8 hours | Remote: No | Oscillation range: Up to 80 degrees | Noise range: 35 to 45.2 decibels What you’ll love: Portable and fits easily on desks and nightstands

Multiple speed options, including a white noise setting

Oscillates to move air around small spaces Keep in mind: CFM is too low to be useful beyond your personal space If you’re looking for something small enough to fit on a desk or nightstand that’s still effective at cooling, the Honeywell QuietSet Mini Tower Table Fan is a good bet. It’s just over a foot tall, so it’s easy to move between rooms, and it features four speeds that let you customize the airflow. Plus, unlike some mini fans that only blow air in one direction, this model oscillates up to 80 degrees to distribute airflow more evenly throughout your personal space. We also appreciate that this petite unit comes with four speed settings, including sleep and white noise settings that add a subtle background hum without being distracting. These are useful if you’re working, reading or trying to fall asleep. One of our staff testers was impressed with this petite unit’s power at its highest speed setting, and adds that its size is the biggest draw: “I could also see myself packing it in a suitcase for my next trip as a convenient source of white noise and a light breeze.” While the QuietSet doesn’t have a remote, there’s a built-in timer that can be set to shut off automatically after two, four or eight hours. Lastly, the QuietSet is energy-efficient, running on a DC motor that uses up to 50% less energy than traditional AC motors (a nice perk if you plan to keep it running throughout the night).

Best Value Tower Fan A No-Frills Unit Ideal For Small And Midsized Rooms Amazon Lasko 36-Inch 3-Speed Oscillating Tower Fan Dimensions: 36 x 12 x 12 inches | Number of speeds: 3 | CFM: 210 | Timer: 1 to 7 hours | Remote: Yes | Oscillation range: Up to 60 degrees | Noise range: Around 40 to 55 decibels What you’ll love: Affordably priced without sacrificing performance

Includes an adjustable timer and dark mode

Has an easy-grip handle and built-in storage for remote Keep in mind: Comparatively high noise level

Not as powerful as similarly built fans on this list If you have a small or medium-sized room (anything under 250 square feet) and are looking for something a little simpler but still effective, the Lasko 36-Inch Oscillating Tower Fan is an easy choice. It has three speed settings to adjust the airflow and an oscillating feature with an angle of up to 60 degrees. (While this isn’t the widest angle, you’ll have to wait a shorter amount of time for the breeze to come back around, which we think is good for small- to medium-sized spaces.) It also features a seven-hour timer that can be adjusted in one-hour increments; this is a useful option if you like to fall asleep with a fan running but don’t want it on all night. Further, it has a Dark mode that automatically turns off display lights so you won’t be distracted by glowing LEDs as you try to sleep. Plus, the included remote control operates all the fan’s functions and can be stored on the back of the unit when it’s not in use.

Quietest Tower Fan Emits Noise That’s Between A Whisper And A Quiet Library Amazon Dreo Tower Fan Nomad One Dimensions: 11.8 x 11.8 x 36.2 inches | Number of speeds: 4 | CFM: 1,408 | Timer: 1 to 8 hours | Remote: Yes | Oscillation range: Up to 90 degrees | Noise range: 34 to 48 decibels What you’ll love: One of the quietest tower fans available at this price range

Sleep mode mutes button sounds and dims the display

Auto mode adjusts speed based on room conditions

Removable rear grill and impeller wheel make cleaning easier Keep in mind: Not as quiet as our more-expensive top pick, also from Dreo If you’re looking for a tower fan that doesn’t sacrifice power but is softer than a white noise machine, we recommend the Dreo Tower Fan Nomad One. At around 34 decibels on its lowest settings (and maxing out at 48 decibels, which is the level of a refrigerator hum), this is one of the quietest models available despite its under-$75 sticker price. Plus, users report that even on higher speeds, it runs more smoothly than most models in the same price range. In addition to its quiet operation, this model is great for bedrooms because it has a dedicated sleep mode that, along with reducing noise, mutes beeps and dims the display. You can also set its built-in timer to turn off automatically at different intervals (up to eight hours). The Nomad One is also lighter than our top pick that’s also from Dreo; it only weighs in at 9 pounds, despite its efficient but powerful airflow of 1,408 CFM. Further, its 90-degree oscillation range is more than enough for typical bedrooms, which tend to be around 200 square feet, says Prouty. You can choose between four speeds and four modes to customize how much air it circulates. The rear grill and impeller wheel are removable, which makes it much easier to clean than many tower fans.

Best Upgrade Tower Fan A Powerful Bladeless Pick Designed For Larger Spaces Dyson Dyson Cool Tower Fan AM07 Dimensions: 36.3 x 7.5 x 4.4 inches | Number of speeds: 10 | CFM: Around 1,000 | Timer: 15 minutes to 9 hours | Remote: Yes | Oscillation range: Up to 70 degrees | Noise range: Up to 61 decibels What you’ll love: Bladeless design is safe and easy to clean

10 speed settings allow for more precise airflow control

Has a Night mode for lighter sleepers Keep in mind: Higher priced than most models on this list

No extra air purification or heating functions for the added price The Dyson Cool Tower Fan AM07 takes everything people love about tower fans—strong airflow, a slim profile and quiet operation—and refines it with Dyson’s signature engineering. Instead of traditional blades, it uses proprietary Air Multiplier technology to amplify surrounding air, which creates a smooth and uninterrupted breeze. This produces powerful airflow without the choppy feeling you get from standard fans (and the bladeless design makes this pick easier and safer to clean). While its 70-degree oscillation range isn’t the widest on our list, its 10 speed settings give you more control than most. Whether you want a light breeze or stronger circulation for a larger space, it’s easy to adjust to your preferences. The programmable sleep timer lets you set it to turn off anywhere between 15 minutes and 9 hours, while Night mode reduces noise for better sleep. (Note that while the brand doesn’t list the noise level in decibels on its lowest settings, a good number of users report that it operates quietly enough to feel like white noise during sleep.) The AM07 also has built-in safety features like an automatic shut-off if it gets tipped over, and the magnetized remote attaches to the top of the fan so it’s always within reach.

Best Tower Fan For Large Spaces A Sleekly Designed Pick With An Extra-High CFM Amazon Vornado ARA Oscillating Tower Fan With Ambient Light Dimensions: 13.3 x 11.8 x 39.5 inches | Number of speeds: 5 | CFM: 2,574 | Timer: No | Remote: Yes | Oscillation range: 90 to 180 degrees | Noise range: 29 to around 60 decibels What you’ll love: Strong airflow of 2,574 CFM designed for large rooms

Up to 180-degree oscillation for wider coverage

Built-in ambient lighting and sleek metal finishes Keep in mind: No built-in timer

Doesn’t have smart connectivity despite its high price The Vornado ARA Oscillating Tower Fan is designed to move air through an entire room. It pushes air at 1,600 feet per minute (equalling approximately 2,574 CFM), making it the most powerful tower fan in Vornado’s lineup. Combined with its five speed settings and up to 180 degrees of oscillation, the RA Oscillating Tower Fan circulates air more effectively than many standard models, so even big rooms stay at a comfortable temperature. At its lowest setting, it’s quiet enough for a bedroom (as low as 29 decibels), but it’s really designed for living rooms, open-concept spaces and other areas that need serious airflow. If you do use it in a smaller space, the multiple speed settings let you dial it down so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Another small but thoughtful feature is the built-in ambient lighting, which adds a subtle glow to the room and can be adjusted or turned off completely. While this model is more substantial in size than slimmer tower fans, it features sleek metal finishes, which help it feel more intentional in your home instead of just an afterthought.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted home team has spent countless hours researching and reviewing heating and cooling appliances that are designed to keep your spaces comfortable, from the best window fans to our favorite top-performing portable ACs.

Our recommendations for the best tower fans are backed by expert insights and extensive research. In some cases, our team personally tested the products we recommend.

This article was written by home and kitchen editor Kelly O’Sullivan and overseen by senior home and kitchen editor Amanda Arnold . O’Sullivan and Arnold bring over a decade of collective experience to the lifestyle space.

and overseen by senior home and kitchen editor . O’Sullivan and Arnold bring over a decade of collective experience to the lifestyle space. To ensure the most accurate recommendations, we consulted Carl Prouty , a tech expert at Abt Electronics, who explained considerations for airflow strength, oscillation range and noise levels.

, a tech expert at Abt Electronics, who explained considerations for airflow strength, oscillation range and noise levels. We regularly update this guide to reassess our recommendations and make sure each pick still holds up as one of the best. Home and kitchen updates writer Fran Sales refreshed this story in May 2025, fact-checking listed specifications, incorporating user feedback, highlighting each tower fan’s airflow capacity in CFM and adding a section on top shopping considerations.

How We Chose The Best Tower Fans

To find the best tower fans, we researched and compared different models, price points and features. Some of our selections are highly rated by experts and customers alike, while others were recommended by trusted professionals.

We identified top-rated models from reputable brands like Dyson, Dreo, Lasko and Vornado.

We consulted a tech expert an and professional home organizer to understand what really matters in a tower fan. We incorporated their insights on airflow, noise levels, oscillation and design.

We carefully considered key features like speed settings, oscillation range, noise output, airflow (measured in CFM), smart connectivity, ease of cleaning and value.

We included a variety of options to suit different needs, from compact personal fans to high-powered models designed for large spaces.

We prioritized models with strong customer reviews, focusing on fans with at least a 4-star rating and consistently positive feedback. We also incorporated firsthand user feedback where relevant.

What To Look For In A Tower Fan

The right tower fan for you will depend on the size and design of your room, the climate where you live, on your particular preferences and needs (such as noise level and remote control). Here are the top considerations that Prouty recommends when shopping for a tower fan:

Settings

Look for a tower fan with several speed settings (preferably more than three), so you have more precise control of airflow, says Prouty. He adds that “having a lower fan speed setting also ensures a quieter operation, which helps if you like having your fan on while you’re sleeping.” Oscillation is another setting Prouty recommends prioritizing: “Choose a model [with] a high oscillation angle of 120 degrees or more if you’re looking to cover a larger area,” he advises. This angle should be enough for extra-large rooms like family rooms, living rooms and basement rec rooms, he adds. For a typical bedroom, which is usually around 200 square feet, “you’d be fine with one offering 90 degrees of oscillation,” Prouty says.

Airflow Capacity

According to Prouty, “Because tower fans are designed to operate quietly and cool a wider area, anything above a 500 CFM rating would be considered high.” CFM stands for cubic feet per meter, which is a measurement of a tower fan’s airflow capacity. Manufacturers usually list CFM for the max speed setting of a tower fan, so keep that in mind as you shop. Prouty recommends tower fans with a listed CFM of more than 500 or higher if you’re looking to cover large bedrooms. If you have an extra-large space and want to cool the space efficiently, aim for something higher than 800 CFM.

Noise Output

Tower fans typically have a listed decibel range (from lowest to highest settings), or one listed decibel output (typically its lowest setting). If you want to cool a bedroom or a space that requires a relatively quiet fan, like an office, go for a pick that emits between 25 decibels (softer than a whisper) and 45 decibels (a quiet office or a library).

Size

Unlike traditional standing fans, tower fans are slim while still offering relatively powerful airflow. Even larger models are typically compact enough to fit in just about any room. Note, however, that tower fans don’t offer as much power as the traditional standing models due to their smaller parts. That said, using a tower fan strategically with a window AC unit or a cross breeze can be a good way to effectively cool a room and conserve energy in particularly hot climates.

Except for personal-use fans like the Honeywell QuietSet Mini, most tower fans range between 36 and 42 inches high, 10 to 13 inches wide and 9 to 13 pounds in weight. Taller fans will be best for larger rooms, but you’ll want to consider this specification alongside a unit’s oscillation angle and CFM.

Source: Forbes.com | View original article

5 Gadgets That Make It Easy to Save Energy, Water, and Money

Over half of a typical US household’s energy consumption is used for space heating and air conditioning. The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is the most efficient smart thermostat we’ve tested. If you don’t have central air, a smart air conditioner or a standard window unit with a smart plug can give you additional control. Smart shades and blinds tend to be expensive, but they can block or absorb the sun’s rays to help keep things cooler, without needing to flip on the AC. A smart ceiling fan can be an absolute must for summer (and some winter) sleeping. The Lutron Caséta Smart Fan Control can respond to triggers from an app or other smart devices.

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The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium works with remote sensors to help balance the temperature throughout your home. Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter

The US Energy Information Administration reports that over half of a typical US household’s energy consumption is used for space heating and air conditioning. Of course, that can vary based on your location (the Northeast and Midwest use more on average), the type of dwelling (apartments consume less), and the number of people in your household. If you’re in one of the areas where electricity costs are higher, a smart thermostat can optimize your home’s heating and cooling to balance comfort with energy savings.

Our pick, the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium, is the most efficient smart thermostat we’ve tested. It has plenty of settings that allow you to fine-tune your environment. The included remote temperature-and-presence sensor allows you to control conditions around your home. And it can be set so you don’t have to adjust the temperature when you leave or arrive home, and you aren’t needlessly blasting the AC or heat all day. It also turns the system back on before you get home, so in the summer you won’t return to an oven (and regret being energy-conscious). If you don’t have central air, a smart air conditioner or a standard window unit with a smart plug can give you additional control, so you’re not wasting cool air when no one is home to appreciate it.

A smart ceiling fan can be another great option. I find my bedroom fan to be an absolute must for summer (and some winter) sleeping. According to the US Department of Energy, if you use a ceiling fan, you can raise the thermostat setting in summer months about 4 degrees Fahrenheit before you’ll even perceive a difference in comfort. Smart fans, like those from Big Ass Fans and Hunter, also include presence sensors, so they run only when someone is in the room. They can also be integrated with a smart thermostat to maximize savings even further (we haven’t yet tested such models).

If you already have ceiling fans installed, you can upgrade their capabilities with a smart switch, such as the Lutron Caséta Smart Fan Control. It works with most existing fans (though it does require the use of a Caséta Smart Bridge), and it can respond to triggers from an app or other smart devices, such as thermostats or temperature sensors. If a ceiling fan just isn’t a good fit, a room fan with a smart plug is an easy and affordable option.

It’s no surprise that a big way summer heat infiltrates your home is right through your windows. Smart shades and blinds tend to be expensive, but they are convenient and effective: They can block or absorb the sun’s rays to help keep things cooler, without needing to flip on the AC. Models like those from SmartWings and Lutron can be set to raise and lower (or to open and close) based on a daily schedule or on a whim (using voice commands to a smart speaker or your phone).

Source: Nytimes.com | View original article

Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/video/how-to-save-big-on-summer-travel-with-a-few-smart-moves/

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