Ask Marilyn: When to Turn Off a Fan

Gilman Mudgett of Kent, Washington, writes:

Marilyn: It is a hot day, and you have a fan running in the living room. Sitting in front of it cools you off. You are getting ready to leave the house for three or four hours. Should you turn the fan off or leave it on?

Marilyn responds:

Definitely turn it off, even if you're just leaving the room for 15 minutes! It's a complete waste of electricity (and thus dollars) to fan the furniture.