10 No Cost Ways to Save Close your fireplace flue. Keep closed except when not in use. Also shut fire place doors if installed. Use your ceiling fan. Run blades counter-clockwise in summer to push to create a breeze (moving air feels cooler). Set up thermostat a few degrees. Run clockwise in the winter to bring warm air down (only if there are high ceilings). When purchasing new ceiling fans, consider an ENERGY STAR model