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Ceiling Fan In Beautiful Living Room

Changing Your Ceiling Fan Direction

Ceiling fans can be used year-round, and if used correctly, they can improve energy savings. Which, helps homeowners save on both heating and cooling costs. Properly changing your ceiling fan direction in the summer and winter can help you to recoup between 15 and 30 percent of your energy bills, maximizing effectiveness! According to estimates by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Ceiling Fan Direction in Summer

During the summer months, your ceiling fan should rotate counterclockwise. Doing this will allow the blades to push cooler air down in a column.  This technique will work together with your air conditioning and make the air feel cooler than it is. This will allow you to turn your thermostat up a few degrees and save money.

To set your ceiling fan in a counterclockwise rotation, push the direction switch on the side of the motor housing down. Your fan’s instruction manual will help you locate this. To check whether your fan is moving in the correct direction, stand directly under the fan and look up. If the fan is moving counterclockwise and you feel a flow of air, you can rest assured it is in the best setting for summer.

However, if you do not feel enough air movement, your fan may be turning in the wrong direction. If this is the case, make sure the fan is off, and switch the fan rotation by flipping the direction switch. If the air movement is still weak, your fan may need repair or upgrade.

Your ceiling fan, moving in the right direction will both improve air circulation and create a breeze known as a “wind chill” effect. To maximize this effect, the fan should be set on its highest speed setting.

Ceiling Fan Direction in Winter

In winter, ceiling fans need to spin clockwise, and be set on a low speed. This will eliminate any cool breeze that might be caused by a higher setting. Keeping your fan on a low-speed setting creates an updraft and will help move warm air trapped near the ceiling back out and around the room. Rooms with vaulted ceilings will especially feel the benefit of this effect.

Following this technique will help manage the interior climate during the colder months. It will recirculate warm air and help your heating unit run less frequently. This could save you roughly 15 percent on your heating costs.

You can check your ceiling fan to see if it is in winter mode by standing directly under it and watching the blades spin. The blades should be rotating in a clockwise direction. You should not feel a strong flow of air.

 

Following these simple steps for changing your ceiling fan direction in summer and winter will help you save on energy costs and maximize the effectiveness of your ceiling fan. Perhaps you are ready to upgrade your ceiling fan, or your entire space. For all your home remodeling needs, Crosby Home Services is here to help. Contact us to find out more about the home remodeling services we provide.