Did you know that you can change the ceiling fan direction to stay cool in the summer? It’s true, and it has an added benefit: it saves energy.

But first, you need to understand something about paddle ceiling fans. They don’t actually cool the air; they just make it feel cooler by increasing evaporation on your skin.

To reduce your air conditioning bill and save energy, run a paddle ceiling fan in a counterclockwise direction during hot weather, and only run the fan when you are in the room to feel the effects.

Watch the video above to find out more.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

Danny Lipford: Mary Beth wants to know, “Can I lower my energy bill this summer by keeping my ceiling fans running all the time?”

Yes, you can lower your energy bills by using your ceiling fan if it’s moving in the correct direction. But remember, every time that ceiling fan’s on, it’s using energy.

Now, the only way you’re going to save energy by using a ceiling fan is actually by saving on something else around your home, like your central air-conditioning system. And you can save there by raising the temperature two or three degrees at the thermostat.

This is effective because you’re feeling cooler in the room when you’re using the ceiling fan, and your air conditioner is just not working as hard.

Another thing you need to remember, though, is during the summer months, look up at your ceiling fan and make sure it’s running in a counter-clockwise direction. (If it’s the winter months, change the ‘secret switch’ to the clockwise direction.)

And, when you get up to move to another room, turn the ceiling fan off, because the ceiling fan is only cooling people, it’s not cooling the room.


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Danny Lipford

Founder

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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