Aug. 16--Ceiling fan lowers costs

Using a ceiling fan can save about 5 percent on your cooling bill for each degree you raise your thermostat above the recommended 78 to 80 degrees, says Jill Watts, director of customer communications at Santee Cooper.

The airflow from fans creates a wind-chill effect that helps you feel cooler and can lower temperatures as much as 7 degrees, Watts said.

The Department of Energy suggests using fans in rooms with ceilings at least 8 feet high with the blades between 7 and 9 feet above the floor and between 10 and 12 inches below the ceiling.

Blades should be no closer than 8 inches from the ceiling and 18 inches from the wall.

For installation tips, visit www.americanlighting assoc.com or www.energystar.gov.

FREE TREES

Dogwoods offered by foundation

The Arbor Day Foundation is offering 10 free white flowering dogwood trees to anyone who joins the foundation during August.

Dogwoods have a showy spring bloom, scarlet autumn foliage and red berries that attract songbirds in the winter.

The trees will be shipped between Oct. 15 and Dec. 10 and come with planting instructions.

Members also will receive "The Tree Book," which includes information about tree planting and care.

Membership is $10.

Mail the fee to Ten Dogwoods, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410, or join online at www.arborday.org. Deadline is Aug. 31.

NEW PRODUCT

Cordless vacuum easy on back

The new Shark Cordless VX3 performs well on hardwood, tile and carpet. It also is easy to operate.

In its advertising promos, the makers claim the cleaner can pick up pet food, confetti, wood chips, coins and nails. Consumer testing has confirmed it devours the items easily.

What makes this device a cut above some of the other cordless cleaners is its back-saving handle that folds in the middle for cleaning under tables and other furniture.

It also features a no-touch dust cup that empties at the push of a button; two speeds for cleaning on various surfaces; a 13-inch motorized brush roll; a motorized side brush that grabs dirt along walls and swivel steering.

It's powered by a rechargeable battery that enables cleaning up to 60 minutes between charging.

It retails for about $80 and is available at Bed, Bath & Beyond, Target, Kohl's, Linen 'N Things or online at www.sharkvx3.com, which is now offering a deal on the purchase of two.

By Elaine Gaston, The Sun News

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