Keep your home’s temperature just right with one simple switch
During winter, your ceiling fan should rotate clockwise to distribute warm air.
During summer, your fan should move counterclockwise to create a downdraft.
Changing the direction of your fan depends on if you have a pull-chain or remote model.
You should change your ceiling fan direction during Daylight Saving Time.
If you’re searching for a way to lower your energy bills and keep your home at the perfect temperature, look no further. Adjusting the direction of your ceiling fan can help you beat the summer heat and winter chill. With this easy switch, you’ll see your home’s temperature fall into place and your energy bills plummet. Keep on reading to learn more about the directions of your fan and how to adjust it.
You may be used to keeping your ceiling fan off in winter, due to colder temperatures. But did you know keeping it on can actually keep you warmer?
During winter, turn your ceiling fan on a low speed rotating clockwise. This will create an updraft that will move trapped warm air near the ceiling down and around the room. Your room temperature will increase and your heating bills will fall.
To see if your fan is rotating clockwise, stand underneath it and observe the blades. You should see them moving from left to right.
Your ceiling fan is probably your trusty tool for beating the summer heat. Putting your ceiling fan to use during the summer keeps the heat and your energy bill down. The fan creates a wind chill effect that lowers your body temperature. Moisture evaporates quicker when the air hits your skin, which in turn makes your body feel cooler.
To ensure you’re getting the full cooling effects, make sure it’s spinning counterclockwise. This direction causes the fan to create a downdraft, which keeps that cool breeze flowing through your home.
Check if your fan is rotating counterclockwise by standing underneath and watching the blades spin. They should be moving from right to left. You should feel a direct, cool breeze flowing down from the fan.
Pairing your ceiling fan with air conditioning during the summer is the perfect combo for cost-effective cooling. An air conditioner alone uses roughly 3,500 watts of power, while a ceiling fan only uses 50 watts. Pairing the two together helps you lower the energy use within your home and still keeps you feeling cool.
The wind chill effect of the fan keeps your body temperature down and makes the temperature feel four degrees cooler. This allows you to turn up the thermostat four degrees and save money on cooling costs. Homeowners on average can save up to $40 per month by using a ceiling fan with air conditioning.
There are two main models of ceiling fans: pull chains and remote fans. How you change the direction of the blades differs depending on which model you have.
To switch directions for a pull-chain ceiling fan:
Turn off the fan and allow the blades to stop
Locate the switch on the fan body or fixture housing
Push the switch in the opposite direction
Turn the fan back on
Stand under the fan and observe the blades to check if the direction has changed
To switch directions for a remote ceiling fan:
Turn the fan off and let the blades stop moving
Grab the remote and press the fan button until the light blinks
Turn the fan back on
Observe the blades to ensure the direction has changed
The general rule for changing your ceiling fan direction is to follow Daylight Saving Time.
When the clocks spring forward, change your fan to spin counterclockwise.
When the clocks fall back, change your fan to spin clockwise.
You can also change the direction based on your local temperatures. Put it in winter mode when temperatures drop, and summer mode when they rise.
You should also use your bi-annual switch-up as a time for ceiling fan maintenance. Dust, debris, and dander can build up on your ceiling fan blades over time or when it’s not in use.
Clean them using a long-handled duster, or climb up on a ladder and wipe down the blades.
Check for any signs of damage including loose parts, cracks, or misaligned blades.
If you run into any issues with your ceiling fan or are looking to install a new one, contact a ceiling fan technician near you. Or if you’re looking to add a ceiling fan for the cost savings, you can talk to the technician about your options. The average cost to install a ceiling fan runs from $145 to $355. The technician will be able to answer any questions you have, along with completing any repairs, installs, or replacements so you can stay cool or warm whenever you want.
