Ceiling fans are a great way to keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter if you know how what direction to use and when.

    By changing the direction of your ceiling fan seasonally, you can make your home more comfortable and save money on your energy bills.

    Though there is much confusion on the subject, it’s not that hard as long as you remember two simple rules.


    Rule #1: Summer Ceiling Fan Direction

    Ceiling fans make you feel cooler in the summer by creating an artificial breeze that evaporates moisture from your skin. This allows you to set your thermostat higher, saving money on air conditioning bills.

    When a ceiling fan spins counterclockwise (while looking up at it), the slant of the blades pushes air down and creates a wind chill effect, causing a noticeable breeze. The faster the fan spins, the cooler you feel. This is particularly useful in rooms where people spend a lot of time, such as living rooms and bedrooms, and can help cool your house without AC.

    This cooling effect doesn’t change the temperature of the air, it only makes you feel cooler. That is why you should turn the fan off when the room is empty. Otherwise, heat from the motor will actually increase the temperature in the room.

    Run ceiling fans counterclockwise on medium to high speeds during hot weather only when the room is occupied. (mathieukor/Getty Images Signature)
    Run ceiling fans on low in a clockwise direction during cold weather. (mathieukor/Getty Images Signature)

    Rule #2: Winter Ceiling Fan Direction

    Ceiling fans can produce the opposite effect in the winter by gently circulating hot air that is trapped near the ceiling.

    Since heat rises, the temperature near the ceiling is greater than at floor level. This is particularly true in houses with high ceilings or those with heating systems that do not circulate the air.

    The reason the fan is set to spin clockwise on low is to keep from creating a strong draft, which would cool you down just like it does in summer. Instead, the fan is pushing the air near the ceiling up and outward, causing it to circulate down near the perimeter of the room.

    To change the rotation direction of your ceiling fan, flip the switch near the light kit or under the blades. (Jupiterimages, Getty Images)

    Since the air at the floor level is warmer, you can set the thermostat lower, saving money and helping the environment at the same time.

    Any heat generated by the fan’s motor is a bonus in the winter, so you can keep it running whether you are present in the room or not.

    Follow these two simple rules, and your house will feel more comfortable while being a little greener at the same time.


    Changing the Rotation of a Ceiling Fan

    Ceiling fans can come in various shapes and sizes, but most models will have a switch that allows you to change the rotation direction. However, some models may not have this feature, so check the manufacturer’s instructions before purchasing. 

    Additionally, some ceiling fans may have a remote control that allows you to change the direction without having to climb a ladder.

    To change the rotation direction of your ceiling fan, you will need to turn off the power supply and locate the switch on the motor housing. The switch is typically located near the light kit or under the blades. Once you’ve located the switch, flip it in the opposite direction. If your ceiling fan has a remote control, consult the manufacturer’s instructions on how to change the rotation direction.

    Use your ceiling fan in conjunction with your air conditioner to raise your thermostat a few degrees without sacrificing comfort. (Kameleon007, Getty Images Signature)

    Changing the direction of your ceiling fan will not affect the temperature of the room, but it will affect the airflow. 


    How Ceiling Fans Can Cut Energy Costs

    By setting your ceiling fan to the correct direction, you can cut your energy costs and keep your home comfortable at the same time.

    If you use air conditioning to cool your home, a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4 degrees Fahrenheit with no reduction in comfort, according to energy.gov.

    The combination of both airflow efficiency and electricity efficiency determines the overall energy efficiency of a ceiling fan. (pakornkrit, Getty Images)

    During the summer, you want your ceiling fan to rotate counterclockwise. This creates a wind chill effect, making you feel cooler without lowering the temperature in the room. The counterclockwise rotation of the fan blades creates a downward airflow that pushes air down and creates a breeze. This breeze evaporates moisture on your skin, making you feel cooler.

    By using your ceiling fan in conjunction with your air conditioner, you can raise your thermostat a few degrees without sacrificing comfort.

    This can result in significant energy savings on your cooling bills. During the winter months, you want your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise. This will create an updraft that circulates warm air that has risen to the ceiling. This helps to distribute heat throughout the room, making it feel warmer and more comfortable.

    Today’s Homeowner Tips

    By using your ceiling fan in the correct direction, you can cut your energy costs and keep your home comfortable year-round. Don’t forget to adjust your fan’s direction when the seasons change to make the most of its energy-saving benefits.


    How Ceiling Fan Efficiency is Measured

    Ceiling fan efficiency is measured by the amount of airflow generated per unit of electricity consumed. It’s typically measured in terms of its airflow efficiency and its electricity efficiency.

    Airflow efficiency measures the amount of air that is moved by the fan per unit of energy consumed. Airflow efficiency is expressed in cubic feet per minute (CFM) per watt of electricity consumed. The higher the airflow efficiency rating, the more air the fan moves per unit of electricity consumed.

    Electricity efficiency measures the amount of electricity consumed by the fan to produce a given amount of airflow. Electricity efficiency is expressed in terms of the fan’s wattage. The lower the wattage, the less electricity the fan consumes to produce a given amount of airflow.

    The combination of both airflow efficiency and electricity efficiency determines the overall energy efficiency of a ceiling fan. The higher the energy efficiency rating, the more energy-efficient the fan is, and the more cost-effective it is to operate.


    Choosing the Correct Ceiling Fan

    Ceiling fans are ideal for rooms with at least eight-foot high ceilings. For optimal performance, the blades should be 7-9 feet above the floor and 10-12 inches from the ceiling. When installing a fan, the blades should be at least 8 inches away from the ceiling and 18 inches away from the walls.

    Larger ceiling fans are better for bigger rooms because they can move more air than smaller fans. For rooms up to 225 square feet, a 36- or 44-inch diameter fan is sufficient, while rooms larger than that should use fans that are 52 inches or more. Multiple fans are ideal for longer rooms over 18 feet.

    Smaller and medium-sized fans are great for areas between 4-6 feet in diameter, while larger fans are suitable for up to 10 feet. A larger blade provides the same amount of cooling as a smaller blade but at a lower velocity.

    This is especially important in areas where strong breezes could disturb papers or other objects.  Additionally, the fan should match the aesthetics of the room, as a larger fan may look overwhelming in a smaller room.

    Choose a ceiling fan that complements the overall design of your space. You don’t want a large fan that may appear overwhelming in a smaller space. (Curtis Adams, Pexels)
    Today’s Homeowner Tips

    When shopping for a ceiling fan, look for energy-efficient models with high airflow efficiency and low electricity consumption. Look for models that are ENERGY STAR certified, which means they have met strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This ensures that the fan meets high energy efficiency standards and can save you money on your energy bills over time.


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    Danny Lipford

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    Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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