Not many homeowners give much thought to which way their ceiling fans turn. However, ceiling fan direction plays an important role in maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient home. Setting your ceiling fan in the correct direction can help you save on energy costs throughout the year.
Why Does Direction Matter?
Ceiling fans help circulate the air, which is important for a number of reasons. During the spring and summer, your ceiling fan helps you benefit from the wind chill effect. As air blows across your skin, the evaporation effect takes away heat, making your skin feel cooler in spite of current temperatures. Thanks to this effect, it’s possible to set your thermostat several degrees higher with no loss in comfort.
During the fall and winter months, you can use your ceiling fan to help disperse and redistribute warm air that eventually becomes trapped in the upper reaches of your home. This can help you save on heating expenses, especially if you rely on natural gas or oil as a heating fuel source.
Which Way Should the Blades Turn?
There should be a switch on the fan itself that allows you to switch the direction of the blades.
During the spring and summer, make sure the ceiling fan spins counterclockwise. This allows the fan to push cold air downward, keeping your home cool throughout the warmer months.
During the fall and winter, reverse the ceiling fan direction so it spins clockwise. This allows the fan to disperse rising warm air so it’s equally distributed throughout the room.
