If you are conscious about your heating and cooling costs, changing your ceiling fan direction can be a beneficial step towards cutting costs and increasing efficiency.
If you weren’t already aware, there is a separate ceiling fan direction for summer versus winter. They are designed to perform differently for versatility in different seasons and climates. What’s even better is you can adjust your ceiling fan settings by yourself without the need to bring in an electrician. If you feel the temperatures changing outside, it might be time to change your fan’s settings.
Which Way Should Your Ceiling Fan Be Set?
Clockwise in the winter, to push the heat down.
Counterclockwise in the summer, to pull the heat up.
Ceiling Fan Direction for Summer: Counterclockwise
Setting your ceiling fan direction to counterclockwise in the summer can allow you to keep your thermostat set higher but still enjoy a cool room.
How is it possible to feel cooler if your house is warmer? When ceiling fans rotate counterclockwise cool air is pushed downward. Cool air aids in the evaporation of sweat in addition to generating a wind chill throughout the room.
You can save up to forty percent on your cooling costs by running ceiling fans counterclockwise during warm summer months. While it might be too hot for some, you can set your thermostat up to 78 degrees or even higher when you will be gone for several hours or more to maximize your savings.
Ceiling Fan Direction for Winter: Clockwise
Changing your ceiling fan to a clockwise direction for winter helps you stay warm while setting your thermostat lower. The science behind this isn’t the opposite of summer, though the benefits are similar in providing efficiency and comfort.
When ceiling fans rotate clockwise at a low speed, cool air is lifted upwards. This gently forces warmer air back down, which makes the room feel warmer. You’ll be able to set your thermostat lower to save on heating costs.
While there is no exact suggestion on temperature settings for winter, you could save up to fifteen percent on your energy costs per year by setting the thermostat 15 degrees lower for eight hours each day. A great time to do this would be at night when you can use more blankets for extra warmth.
Changing Your Ceiling Fan Direction
After hearing about all these energy savings, you’re probably excited to switch your fan’s rotation for the appropriate season. If you have a remote for your ceiling fan, it’s usually as simple as pushing the corresponding button. If not, don’t worry. Manually flipping the switch is as easy as it sounds. You may need to use a step ladder or a taller ladder to get access to the fan, so do this with an extra set of hands to ensure you are safe. Your switch may be vertical or horizontal.
During summer, you’ll flip the switch down, or to the left. During winter, you’ll flip the switch up, or to the right.
Changing your ceiling fan direction for summer and winter can give you improved comfort in addition to energy savings all year. The simplest way to remember which way the blades should be rotating is to think of clockwise during winter as pushing the heat down and counterclockwise during summer as pulling the heat upwards. If ever in doubt, refer back to our article here at Fowler Electric.
Ceiling Fan Installation in Las Vegas and Clark County
Have a room that needs a ceiling fan installed? The experienced electricians will be happy to help. Scroll down to set up an appointment for a free estimate today! Or call 702-778-4346 for ceiling fans or any commercial or residential electrical needs.
