It’s no secret that ceiling fans make your home more comfortable in the summer, but did you know that holds true for winter, too? Adjusting the direction of its spin takes your ceiling fan from a summertime treat to a year-round necessity.
Read on to learn when and how to change your ceiling fans’ direction each year.
A ceiling fan direction switch or control adjusts the spin direction of a ceiling fan – clockwise or counterclockwise. Nearly all modern ceiling fans can be adjusted to rotate in the direction of your choice. Most have either a visible switch on the base of the fan or an external control, like a fan remote, with different settings for direction and speed.
Follow our recommendations below to determine which way your fan should rotate:
Adjusting the direction of your ceiling fan creates either an updraft or downdraft. Drafts created by a ceiling fan move stagnant air, displacing either warm or cold air to make the living space below more comfortable.
As a rule, ceiling fans should rotate “forward,” or counterclockwise, in the summer to create a downdraft. The downdraft pushes air toward the floor, creating a breeze that provides a cooling (wind chill) effect.
Ceiling fans used in winter should rotate in “reverse,” or clockwise, to create an updraft that draws cold air up to the ceiling, displacing the warm air there and sending it down.
Very effective. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the proper use of a ceiling fan in summer may allow homeowners to raise their thermostat setting by up to four degrees without any reduction in overall comfort. Ceiling fans are considerably more cost efficient than conventional air conditioning or heating, meaning that any reduction in the use of HVAC systems in exchange for a ceiling fan will save energy, keeping money in your pocket.
Looking for more ways to make your home energy efficient? At Aire Serv, we’re dedicated to helping homeowners from coast to coast breathe easy with HVAC service, tips and strategies designed to increase efficiency and save you money. Check out our blog or contact your local Aire Serv to learn more about home heating and cooling improvements designed for your home.
Ceiling fans are the most versatile home appliance, no matter what season it is. What some folks don’t realize, is that a ceiling fan can provide both cool and warm air for your home. This is done by changing the direction of your ceiling fan during the summer and winter months. Doing so helps make you feel comfy, and allows you to adjust the thermostat, giving your air conditioner, hvac unit and energy bill a much needed break. Here's everything you need to know about changing your ceiling fan direction and how it can help you save.
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Hi, I'm Colby from Del Mar Fans & Lighting and I'm here to talk to you about ceiling fan direction for summer and winter.
During the summer, use your ceiling fan in the counterclockwise direction. The airflow directly underneath the ceiling fan should push down, creating a wind-chill effect, which is going to make you feel cool.
Reversing your fan, to a clockwise direction, creates a gentle updraft, recirculating heat down.
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In the summer the correct ceiling fan direction is counterclockwise to send cool air down to the floor. The high speed air evaporates perspiration and creates a wind chill effect. This air circulation makes you feel cooler without affecting the room temperature. You can then set the thermostat at a higher temperature without forfeiting comfort.
So, how you can you tell if your ceiling fan direction is set for summer? Turn on the fan, stand directly under the fan blades and watch the ceiling fan spin. The blades will spin the opposite direction of a clock. Looking for a more telltale sign? You should feel a cooling breeze while standing under the fan. If you do not feel air movement, the fan is spinning clockwise.
Don't confine your comfort to indoor spaces. If you enjoy spending a sunny summer afternoon outside, then choose an outdoor ceiling fan. They are available for your patio, porch, or favorite outdoor spot. An outdoor fan not only helps keep climates cool, but it also keeps insects and other unwanted pests at bay.
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In the winter the correct ceiling fan direction is a clockwise direction at a low speed to push warm air down. The gentle updraft pushes warmer air down along the walls and back to the floor. This makes a room feel warmer, which allows you to lower the thermostat temperature, and decrease the use of heating devices. Homeowners who use ceiling fans during the winter can save as much as 15 percent on heating bills.
So, how can you tell if your ceiling fan direction is set for winter? Turn on the ceiling fan, stand directly under the fan blades and watch the blades as they rotate. The blades should move the same direction as a clock's hand. You also want the blades to move at a lower speed, which helps to push warm air down.
To some it may seem to be counter intuitive to use a ceiling fan during the winter months, but the savings won’t lie. The more you use this great appliance, the more money you will save. Just be sure to use the seasonal features as much as possible!
Today, most ceiling fans include remote controls or wall controls that adjust the direction in which the fan blades rotate. This makes reversing your ceiling fan as simple as flipping a switch. Press the direction switch to set your ceiling fan to spin counterclockwise for the summer, and press the button in the opposite direction to set your fan to spin clockwise for the fall and winter. Remember to adjust your thermostat to take advantage of those energy savings.
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If your ceiling fan does not include a wall or remote control there is usually a toggle-switch on the motor housing just below the blades. Flip the switch to change the direction of the fan blades. For vertical switches flip the switch down for summer airflow or flip the switch up for winter airflow. Changing the direction of your ceiling fan not only guarantees year-round comfort, but also year-round savings.
If you would like to talk to one of our experts to help you find the perfect ceiling fan for your home, call us at
1-800-724-5501. We would be more than happy to help! Do you change your ceiling fan direction for summer and winter? Tell us about it in the comments below.