Flip the switch for lower heating and cooling bills
Ceiling fans can help you feel warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Set the ceiling fan to spin counterclockwise in the summer months.
A clockwise spin at a low speed can redistribute warm air.
Turn fans off when you aren’t home.
Ceiling fans use less energy than heaters and air conditioners.
The ceiling fan might be one of the most overlooked tools in the house for heating and cooling efficiency. It can help you feel four degrees cooler in the summer and cozier in the winter. If you only think about your ceiling fan when you notice how dusty the blades are, it’s time to take a closer look. This guide gives you all the info you need on why and how to change the direction of your ceiling fan.
If you're like many homeowners, you may only think about your fan in the sweaty summer months. But did you know there is a ceiling fan direction for summer and winter? Knowing the difference between the two directions can make a huge impact on the temperature of your home. The angle of your blades can push air up or down, depending on the direction they spin.
Ceiling fans and air conditioners are powerful partners. When the air conditioning is on, you might not think to turn on your ceiling fan, but doing so can save energy. A ceiling fan can make you feel about four degrees cooler, so you feel more comfortable without lowering your thermostat.
An air conditioner can use 3,500 watts of power when it’s running. A ceiling fan uses significantly less at about 50 watts of power. Flip on the ceiling fan, and you could use your air conditioner 15% less. That means you get a comfortable house and lower energy bills.
When the weather cools and your thermostat goes up, switch your ceiling fan direction to take advantage of more savings. Set your fan to spin clockwise at a low speed to take advantage of saving up to 15% on your heating bill! As the warm air rises, the fan will redistribute it back through the room, pulling it away from the ceiling where it tends to settle.
On the ceiling fan base, you’ll usually find a switch that changes the direction the blades turn from clockwise to counterclockwise and vice versa. It’s worth grabbing a step stool twice a year and switching the direction the blades turn. While you’re at it, you can take this time to clean the ceiling fan blades.
When switching the ceiling fan’s spin direction, turn the fan off and wait until it comes to a complete stop. Then flip the switch on the base or the fan’s remote.
Your ceiling fans should spin counterclockwise on a fast setting in the summer months. This helps push cooler air down and away from the ceiling and into the room. It also helps keep the temperature in the room consistent. Even if the room is warm, cooling a room with fans will feel cooler on your skin, just like you might feel on a windy day.
A simple test to check that the blades are going in the right direction is to stand directly under the fan. You've got it right if you feel a gentle, cooling breeze as you’d feel on a beach vacay.
Keep in mind that running your fan at high speed for prolonged periods can wear on the machine and lead to a wobbly or noisy fan. In most cases, regular maintenance can extend the life of your fan and offset any damage.
Because ceiling fans cool people rather than the room itself, you can turn them off when you’re not using the room. A simple flip of a switch saves even more energy.
You may never give a second thought to your ceiling fans in the winter, but they won’t leave you chilled if they’re turning in the right direction. In the colder months, flip the switch on the ceiling fan base, so the blades are spinning clockwise. The clockwise rotation of the blades pulls the cooler air from the room up and forces the warmer air near the ceiling back down into the room.
With the fan turning clockwise, you’ll have fewer cool spots in the room, and you’re less likely to turn the heat up a couple of degrees. Just run the ceiling fan at a low speed because fast speeds will leave you feeling a breeze.
For most types of ceiling fans, make sure that your ceiling fan blades are in the correct position. Ceiling fan blades sit at an angle between 10 and 15 degrees, known as a pitch angle. A zero-degree angle would be parallel to the floor.
Any more than 15 degrees and your work papers might go flying around the room. The fan would also be noisy and use more energy due to increased drag. The parts could also wear faster. Without some angle, though, you won’t get much air movement.
Other than changing the direction of your fan or setting the correct angle, there are a few more energy-saving tips to help you get the most out of your fan. For the most efficiency, the fan blades should be seven to nine feet from the floor and 10 to 12 inches below the ceiling. If you’re installing a ceiling fan in a room longer than 18 feet, consider installing two ceiling fans to cover the space.
Don’t forget to purchase a fan size that suits the room. A 36- or 44-inch diameter fan will cool rooms up to 225 square feet. Choose a smaller fan for a smaller space or a bigger fan for a bigger space. Lastly, look for an ENERGY STAR-certified ceiling fan.
We hope this guide has inspired you to take advantage of this simple feature of your ceiling fan. Flipping the switch is a job you can do in under 15 minutes and at no cost. While you’re up there, consider wiping down your blades to keep your fan running smoothly.
If ladders aren’t your thing, or you need maintenance for your fan, consider hiring a ceiling fan repair person. They can give your fan a tune-up and prolong the life of your ceiling fan. If you are in the market for a fan upgrade, they can offer advice on the best model for your space and help with the installation.
Candace Nelson contributed to this piece.
If your fan blades are spinning and there is no airflow, your blade pitch may be too flat, or your motor is failing. Adjusting the pitch is a simple DIY task if you have the tools. A failing motor is a bigger problem. You may need to replace your ceiling fan altogether. But fret not, we’ve got a guide for that!
Yes, ceiling fans come with a few other features that help with function, style, and convenience. Multi-speed fans can give you specialized control over the airflow. Consider getting one with an integrated light to save ceiling space. Some ceiling fans come with a remote control that enables you to change direction without climbing a ladder. Of course, you can also consider installing a wall switch to enjoy that convenience.
