Ceiling Fan Direction in Summer and Winter
Ceiling fans help circulate cool air and cut energy costs during the summer, but they are also helpful during winter months. By simply adjusting your ceiling fan direction, you can warm your home in those frigid winter months. This guide will teach you how to select the correct ceiling fan direction in winter and summer alike.
Advantages of Ceiling Fans
Most fans are built for year-round use, and taking advantage of this can help homeowners improve their energy savings. According to estimates by the U.S. Department of Energy, correctly using a ceiling fan can save on both cooling and heating costs. When used in conjunction with air conditioning in summer, you can raise the thermostat 4 degrees with no loss of comfort and recoup up to 30 percent on your energy bills; in winter, you can expect to cut costs by up to 15 percent.
To fully realize the savings, you must get in the habit of turning off the ceiling fan when all the occupants have left a room. The fan operates by making people in the room feel cooler or warmer, rather than changing the temperature of the air itself. Therefore, shutting the fan off when the room is empty ensures no electricity is wasted. Installing a ceiling fan with remote control or a ceiling fan switch makes it much easier to control the ceiling fan operation. Many remotes offering fan direction changes at the tap of a button. If you don't have a ceiling fan remote or wall switch, ceiling fans have a reverse switch on the motor housing. Check the location of that switch before you purchase a new ceiling fan to be sure that it is easy to reach. The instruction manual of the fan will also tell you how to change the ceiling fan direction for that model.
Ceiling fans should hang between seven and nine feet from the floor. The clearance between the ceiling fan blades and the ceiling should be a minimum of 10 inches. If you have vaulted ceilings, hang the vaulted ceiling fan from a downrod to get the appropriate positioning. If your ceilings are somewhat low, you may be able to use a flush mount ceiling fan. See our ceiling fan buying guide for more information.
Tip: Remember that indoor ceiling fans cannot be installed outdoors because the heat and humidity can warp the blades or damage the motor.
Ceiling Fan Direction in Summer
A ceiling fan should rotate counterclockwise in the summer, so the blades push cooler air down in a column. This is the best ceiling fan direction for air conditioning since it makes the air feel cooler than it is. It allows you to turn your thermostat up a few degrees.
The counterclockwise rotation is typically set by pushing the direction switch on the side of the motor housing down. Check your fan's instruction manual to confirm. If you are unsure if your fan is turning the correct direction, stand directly under the fan and look up. If the fan is moving counterclockwise and you feel a rush of air, it's in the correct setting for summer.
If you don’t feel much air movement, it’s possible that the fan is spinning in the wrong direction. Turn off the fan and wait for it to completely stop, then switch the fan rotation by flipping the direction switch. If there is still no air movement when you turn the fan back on, or it is very weak, your fan may have a failing motor or the pitch of the ceiling fan blades may be too flat. Consider upgrading to a newer ceiling fan.
Remember, while a good ceiling fan set to the right ceiling fan direction in summer can take the edge off of a very hot summer, it does not actually cool the air in the room. The ceiling fan improves air circulation and creates a breeze that you feel on your skin, a “wind chill” effect. To maximize the effect, the fan should be turned on to its highest speed. If the fan becomes unstable, see our guide on how to balance a ceiling fan.
Ceiling Fan Direction in Winter
Being advised to turn a fan on in the winter may not seem helpful. However, even in winter, ceiling fans can be used to help manage the interior climate.
Ceiling fan direction in the winter should be clockwise, and the fan should run at the lowest speed. This pulls cool air up toward the ceiling, which in turn displaces the warm air that rises and collects near the ceiling.
A clockwise ceiling fan direction for high ceilings is especially important in winter. It moves the warmer air trapped at the very top of the room down. The air flows toward the floor and along the walls. This makes the room feel warmer, allowing you to lower the thermostat.
The low speed prevents any drafty “wind chill” and keeps the airflow steady and consistent. When standing under the fan, look up and double-check that the blades are rotating in a clockwise direction.
Ceiling Fan Direction in Specific Rooms
There are a few exceptions and modifications to the ceiling fan summer and winter rules that you can use to control the airflow in your home.
Vaulted ceilings: Leave the fan on the counterclockwise setting year-round. The height of the fan mount makes it unlikely you’ll feel any wind chill.
Dining rooms: To keep the fan from cooling your food too quickly, set it to turn clockwise at a medium or low speed. There will still be air circulation to cool you, but it won’t be as intense. The same can be said if you are working on paperwork at the table or perhaps playing cards. A fan set to medium and turning clockwise will keep things from blowing everywhere.
Smokers: Set your ceiling fans to run clockwise when you have a family member or guest who smokes indoors. This will draw the smoke up and away. If possible, open a few windows or turn the AC fan to exhaust and help the smoke leave the room.
Outdoor: An outdoor ceiling fan on a porch or covered patio will follow many of the same rules as above for cooling or ventilation. You can also use it on summer evenings to help with insect control. Turn the fan on and have it rotate counterclockwise at high speed. The force of the air will help to keep mosquitos and other flying insects away.
Adjusting your ceiling fan to the season will help make your home more comfortable. Once you make sure your ceiling fan direction in the winter is clockwise and your ceiling fan direction in the summer is counterclockwise, you’ll be able to save money cooling and heating your home. From ceiling fan blades to a new fan, The Home Depot delivers online orders when and where you need them.