Ceiling Fan Rotation

In the warm spring months and the hot, humid months of summer, you will be able to really appreciate having a ceiling fan. When the weather first starts to warm up, before you turn on your air conditioner, you can use your fan and open windows to add a little bit of cool to your home. The fan will also circulate the air and help keep it from feeling stale. According to home improvement expert Bob Vila, using a ceiling fan in the summer can potentially save you 40% on your cooling bills. That's quite a significant amount! The key to ensuring your fan cools you properly is make sure the blades are rotating in the proper direction. In the summer, your ceiling fan blades should be set to rotate counter-clockwise. This will cause the blades to blow air down onto you, creating a windchill effect. If you use your ceiling fan you'll be able to set your thermostat several degrees higher - about eight to 10 degrees. This will save you a lot of money in the long run without having to sacrifice comfort.

I've lived in South Carolina my entire life, and I would never consider living somewhere that did not have a ceiling fan. They're so easy to find, come in so many different styles, and many can be found for less than $100. You can even purchase ceiling fans for outdoor use.

The thought of using a ceiling fan in winter may sound counterproductive. But if you reverse the blades from their summer setting, the ceiling fan will pull the cold air up from the floor while circling the warm air back down to the floor. Instead of having all the warmth rise to your ceilings, you'll be able to enjoy it as it circulates throughout the room. In winter, ceiling fans should rotate clockwise. Operating your fan in winter will save you 10-15% on your heating bill. Use your fan on its lowest setting so it does not create too much wind and cool the room.

There is a switch on the side of your ceiling fan, usually on the body near the pull chain that turns the fan on. Moving this switch to one side or the other will change the rotation of the blades. If you have trouble finding this switch on your ceiling fan, check the owner's manual for instructions on where to find it. When your fan is on and the blades are turning, watch the direction they are spinning. If you need to change the direction, turn off the fan and wait for the blades to come to a complete stop. Move the switch to the opposite position and turn the fan back on. Your ceiling fan blades should now be rotating in the opposite direction. It's as easy as that! Just remember to change the direction each season and you'll be ready to benefit from a more comfortable home and lower energy bills.