How to Change Ceiling Fan Direction in Summer and Winter

Did you know you should change your ceiling fan's direction in the summer and winter? Ceiling fans don't warm or cool a room but provide air circulation to help regulate the temperature in a space.

Depending on the season, you'll want the fan to rotate counterclockwise or clockwise. Learn how to change your ceiling fan's direction for summer and winter to help you save on energy costs and keep your space comfortable all year.

Using Your Fan to Save on Energy

Using your fan year-round and ensuring it's rotating correctly can keep your energy costs lower. In the summer, fans should be set counterclockwise to conserve energy and help circulate cool air. This will delay the need to lower the temperature setting on the AC (which needs to be running to provide your fan with cool air to distribute).

In the winter, fans should be switched to a clockwise rotation on the lowest speed setting to save energy. Even though it's considerably cooler outside, keeping your fan on in the winter will help push hot air toward the ground, maintaining the warmth in your home without having your heating system go into overdrive.

Heating and cooling systems account for around 12% of energy consumption. It costs roughly one cent per hour to keep your fan on, and $0.12 to $1.13 per hour to use your AC. It costs $30 to $250 to run a ceiling fan for the entire year, whereas it costs $17 to $270 per month to run a cooling system. By keeping your fan on year-round, expect to save around $0.35 per hour.

Keep your fans in prime condition, and always ensure they work alongside your heating and cooling systems.

When to Change Ceiling Fan Direction

Warm air naturally rises towards the ceiling and cool air sinks. A room may feel uncomfortable if the ceiling fan is off or rotating in the wrong direction for the season.

That's why setting your ceiling fan's direction to push or pull the air upwards or downwards, rather than letting it rise or settle naturally is important in the hottest and coldest times of the year.

It's best to do this biannually, in spring and fall; daylight savings time can be a great reminder that it's time to make the swap.

Ceiling Fan Direction in Summer

Produce a comfortable breeze and simulate a "wind chill" or downdraft that cools the skin by rotating the fan's blades counterclockwise during the summer. The air movement has the same effect as fanning yourself for relief from hot, stifling air.

Ceiling Fan Direction in Winter

Move warm air trapped near the ceiling back down where you're sitting by turning blades clockwise during the winter. This pushes up cooler air and pulls down warmer air to the sides of the room to improve heat distribution.

How to Change Ceiling Fan Direction

Depending on your style of ceiling fan, there will be one of three ways to switch your fan direction: a ceiling fan pull chain, a remote control, or a smart fan connected to the internet. Here are basic instructions to switch your fan's direction. However, it's always best to consult your owner's manual for complete directions.

Ceiling Fan with Chain

1. Turn off the fan using the pull chain. Let it come to a full stop.
2. Check the fan's body or the light fixture to locate the fan's reversal switch.
3. Slide or toggle the switch.
4. Turn the fan back on.
   

Remote-Control Ceiling Fan

1. Turn off the fan. Allow it to stop fully.
2. Look for the reverse button on the ceiling fan's remote control.
3. Click the button. (You may see a blinking light on the remote when the reversal has taken effect.)

Smart Ceiling Fan

1. Turn off the fan. Let it stop completely.
2. Use your smartphone or device's controls to change the blade's direction.
3. Keep in mind that a smart fan may still have a manual reverse switch.
   

Ceiling Fan Direction by Room

Although working seasonally is a good starting point in determining the correct direction for your ceiling fan to rotate, there are a few other factors about a room or space to keep in mind:

• Vaulted and high ceilings: Keep the fan in a counterclockwise motion all year. This will help keep the air circulation strong.
• Low ceilings: For rooms with low ceilings, such as the dining room, use the same settings you would for winter. Keep it at a low speed while eating so your food doesn't cool too quickly.
• Outdoor space: If you have an outdoor ceiling fan, keep the fan's rotation counterclockwise and at a high speed. This will help deter insects such as mosquitos.

Tips to Make Your Ceiling Fan More Efficient

In addition to changing its direction, there are other ways to get the most out of your fan including:

• Keeping the blades clean: If your fan's blades have dust buildup, it will have to work harder (and use more energy). Check and dust the blades once per week as part of your weekly cleaning routine.
• Getting the right height: Ceiling fans should hang 7 to 9 feet from the floor. If you have a vaulted ceiling, hang your fan with a down rod to help get the right height. For low ceilings, try a flush mount.
• Testing it: If you're missing product information for correct settings, test the rotation to see what feels best seasonally.
  
• Checking the manufacturer's instructions: Depending on its design and construction, your fan could be designed to work opposite to the above settings. It's best to follow manufacturer guidelines if your fan has instructions for summer and winter use.