Spot cooling hits the spot
Research shows that no matter where you set the thermostat, 20 percent of the occupants
will be uncomfortable. It is best to settle on reasonable setpoints such as 75 for
cooling and 70 for heating. For the few who are too warm, use a personal fan to
provide added cooling.
The fan provides the same comfort as lowering the thermostat four degrees or so,
and consumes less than 20 percent of the energy used by a standard air conditioner.
A single fan only cools one person, so the employee should turn it off when they
leave the work station. Low speed usually provides adequate comfort while providing
the quietest operation.
If you want to cut your summer electric bill, use personal fans for everyone and
raise your air conditioner cooling setpoint up 2 to 4 degrees with a target of 79
degrees.
You can find fans at stationery and big box stores in the range of $10 to $30. When
selecting, look for the quietest one you can find.