If you are an energy-efficient enthusiast, a woman with hot flashes, or someone who sleeps better with the soft vibration of sound, I am sure you are the owner of one or more ceiling fans. It is quite possible you have them in every room. Now for the big question: do you change directions on your ceiling fan? If not, you are most likely not maximizing the full benefits of your ceiling fan.
To be honest, most people are either not aware of it or do not change the direction seasonally because they are unsure which way is the correct way. Most people also are not sure what the benefit of making these changes mean for them. If you ask a friend, which way their fan is rotating right now (clockwise or counterclockwise), most will not be able to answer it.
So, are you wondering which way should ceiling fans turn in the summer? By design, ceiling fans were made to have settings that do two things: blow and retract air. Shocking, right? Know the correct direction and when it is important for cooling a room.
Clockwise or CounterClockwise
Most people don’t know that in the summertime, ceiling fans should spin counterclockwise. And vice versa for winters. Why? Because of the design of the ceiling fan blades.
In summer, the fan should rotate in such a way that its blades force the air down into the room. This will give you a wind effect that will allow you to feel cooler. And for this, the fan needs to be rotating counterclockwise. This is also how the room is able to keep the temperature lower without the consistent use of an air conditioner. Bingo, that is why it is considered an energy-efficient home good product!
Now, if you want to know how a clockwise direction of the ceiling fan can do the opposite of what counterclockwise does, here is the answer. The fan blades are designed in such a way that a clockwise turn will suck air upward and will send it to the four corners of the room. This way, if you’re sitting below it, you’ll feel less cold. This, in turn, will remove the need to turn up the heat and will still allow for sufficient air circulation that will keep the room warm.
How to Remember to Change the Direction
Typically, people never remember that counterclockwise is for summer, and clockwise is for fall/winter (if they do so at all). So, what is the best way to remember? Here are a few ways to remember to change directions:
- Set your clock to change the direction blades at the beginning of the season;
- When cleaning your ceiling fan, check the direction of the blades and change them if necessary;
- In the summer, if you find that you do not feel air blowing from the ceiling fan, change the blade’s direction.
How to Change the Direction
Now that you know which way the ceiling fan should turn in the summer, knowing how to make the change is as important as knowing. This switch on the ceiling fan is typically on the top outside of the motor. To locate it, you will have to stop the ceiling fan. Feel around the base to locate an up and down or side to side switch. Once you find it, switch it to the other side to change the direction of rotation. Once you do, turn the ceiling fan back on and check to ensure the blades are going in the appropriate direction.
Knowing how and when to change the direction of your fan can not only increase home efficiency but can also save on the cost of electricity. The benefit of using ceiling fans is year-round, but most beneficial in the summer when the weather is much warmer.
