Why changing your ceiling fan direction matters and how to do it

Did you know that your ceiling fan direction can have an impact on both energy savings and your comfort?

And, that ceiling fans can also be beneficial at keeping energy costs down in the winter? Surprise, surprise!

When I moved into my home, I was pleased to know that there were ceiling fans upstairs, as I knew it would cut down on cooling costs in the summer. What I didn’t know at the time is that I could run them in the winter in order to feel warmer, and that changing the direction of one’s ceiling fans is important in maximizing your energy conservation and benefit.

When you should change your ceiling fan direction?

Ceiling fans can warm or cool you, depending on the direction that they turn. So you want to make sure that your ceiling fans are turning in the right direction for the season.

Ceiling fan direction in the summer

In the summer, you want to make sure that your fan is turning counter clockwise. This is because a counter clockwise rotation will drive warm air out to the walls, and the cool air, which pools on the floor, will rise up, so that you can actually feel it better.

Ceiling fan direction in the winter

In the winter, you’ll want your blades spinning clockwise. This is because a clockwise rotation will create an updraft, and the cold air will be pulled up to the ceiling, more evenly spreading the warm air around, instead of hanging out over your head where you can’t feel it as much.

How can change your ceiling fan direction?

On each ceiling fan is a little switch. You may need to climb up on a ladder to switch the direction, though some wall controls allow you to switch the direction from there.

How much energy costs can you save by using ceiling fans?

It all comes down to energy costs and comfort. Using ceiling fans can cut your energy costs by 4-8%, according to some estimates. The reason for the cost savings isn’t that a ceiling fan actually lowers or raises the temperature of a room, but instead, that the room feels cooler or warmer, allowing you to set your thermostat accordingly. Find out more useful information about ceiling fans from the US Department of Energy.

Plus, who doesn’t like a nice breeze?

Looking for a ceiling fan recommendation? Our readers told us about one they like best, which you can read about in our roundup of favorite homeowner tools and gadgets. Like all of our content, our recommendations are totally unbiased and independent.