A heat wave is sweeping the country, and we'll take any bit of relief we can get! When the dog days of summer hit, your home needs every bit of help to keep cool, including a hard-working ceiling fan. But it's important to note that the direction you ceiling fan spins makes a difference, and it's not the same for summer and winter.
Ceiling fans can also be a real cost-saver. According to the Department of Energy, if you use a ceiling fan during the summer months, you can get away with raising your thermostat about four degrees with no reduction in overall comfort. And while using a ceiling fan during the colder months may seem counterintuitive, it can help redistribute the warm air that naturally rises, helping you save up to 15 percent on heating bills.
To get the most out of your ceiling fan, here are answers to more commonly asked questions.
Which way should a ceiling fan turn during the summer?
This surprisingly simple trick can make a big difference in your home. Once the weather starts heating up, change the direction of your ceiling fan. Your air-conditioner will work more efficiently and you'll feel cooler when the ceiling fan is operating correctly.
In the summer, your fan blades should be set to spin counterclockwise which, as the name suggests, is the opposite of the motion seen on a clock. In other words, the fan should spin toward the left to create the desired downdraft. You should be able to feel the air when the fan is operating.
Which way should a ceiling fan turn during the winter?
It might see counterintuitive, but your ceiling fan can help in the winter months too. you may not want a breeze blowing on you, so setting it correctly will help circulate the heat while not blowing air on you.
When cooler temps come around, your fan blades should be set to spin clockwise which, as the name suggests, mimics the motion seen on a clock. In other words, the fan should spin toward the right to create an updraft. (Use a lower speed setting to avoid creating too much of a breeze—you're just looking to recirculate the warm air.)
How do you change the direction of a ceiling fan?
Generally speaking, there should be a switch by the fan's base that allows you to change the direction. If you have a remote-controlled fan, it may be as simple as pushing a button. If not, you might get a ladder to access the switch all the way on the ceiling. But it's well worth the effort, and you should only have to make the change twice a year!
If you've bought a new ceiling fan, make note of the instructions in the manual and keep them in mind for the next change in seasons. Put a note in your phone or have a device like Alexa set a reminder.
What size ceiling fan is best?
If you're buying a new ceiling fan, consider the size of your room to find the most appropriate ceiling fan. Having the correct size will help move air more efficiently.
For smaller spaces (think laundry rooms, home offices), something 40 inches or under should do the trick. For living rooms, kitchens, and larger bedrooms, something between 42 to 52 inches is likely best. For larger spaces, explore fans that are 56 inches and upward.
How many blades is best for a ceiling fan?
It's really up to you. Most fans come with 3, 4, or 5 blades, and your choice mostly comes down to aesthetics. Some experts say the more blades, the quieter the fan, but that's not always the case. In short, don't lose sleep over blade count. It is, however, worth noting that the angle of your ceiling fan blades should be set between 12 to 15 degrees for maximum cooling.
Katie Bowlby is Digital Director at Country Living, where she covers gift guides, product reviews, crafts, and TV shows like Yellowstone. She’s currently stitching up a cross-stitch pattern for the magazine’s next issue
