Area Councils on Aging are now accepting fans for the 20th Annual Cleco Fan Drive.
The utility company holds the drive every year to try to help older folks stay cool and reduce their utility bills during the hot summer months.
“The fan drive is important to us because fans help our elderly customers keep cool during our hot summer months,” said Ron Smith, director of customer experience. “Furthermore, fans can help customers conserve energy. Air conditioners are typically the largest energy users in a home, and raising the thermostat to 78 degrees and using a fan can help the air temperature feel 10 degrees cooler and help reduce energy usage.”
Here's a photo from the Evangeline Council On Aging with their first fan:
Here's a photo from the Iberia Parish Council on Aging:
Councils on Aging offices within Cleco’s service territory are accepting fans and monetary donations by appointment only June 22 through July 3.
The agencies will begin distributing fans to the elderly by appointment only beginning July 6.
To request a fan, seniors should contact the agency in their area and make an appointment. To receive a fan, seniors must be a Cleco customer and 60-years of age or older.
In addition to adjusting thermostats, Cleco recommends the following tips to help lower energy usage:
· Install a programmable thermostat and raise the setting to the highest comfortable temperature.
· Use heat generating appliances such as dryers and ovens at night when temperatures are cooler outside.
· Seal holes and cracks around windows.
· Keep curtains and blinds closed during the day.
