If you’re one of those energy-conscious Americans who adjust their ceiling fan blade rotation twice a year, you’ll want to remember to change the ceiling fan direction this spring, if you haven’t already. With the proper blade rotation setting, ceiling fans can be used to redistribute warm air in the winter and aid home cooling in the summer.

Ceiling fans usually have a switch on the fan housing. The default setting from the factory is almost always counterclockwise (as you’re looking up at the fan), and most people leave it that way year-round, only operating the fan during the mild and hot months. However, switching the ceiling fan direction clockwise can help with home heating in the winter.

Ceiling Fans and Heating

The clockwise blade rotation blows air upward in a room, forcing warm air that collects near the ceiling outward and then down along the walls into the spaces occupied by people. This warms up lower sections of rooms and will delay the point at which the thermostat kicks on the furnace, saving you energy and money.

Ceiling Fans and Cooling

Counterclockwise blade rotation blows the air downward, creating a cooling breeze. While the moving air doesn’t lower the temperature, its wind-chill effect will make you and others feel cooler. This means you can hold off on turning on the air conditioning or raise the thermostat a few degrees without sacrificing comfort. This also saves energy and money.

One caveat about ceiling fan cooling: If nobody is in the room, there’s no one to appreciate the fan’s cooling effect. Turn off fans in unoccupied rooms.

Remember to Make the Switch

If you forget to switch the ceiling fan direction in the fall and spring, you’ll lose its energy-saving and comfort benefits. Some homeowners find that a good time to adjust the blade rotation is when the clocks get moved forward and backward for Daylight Savings Time.

For more information on the optimum use of ceiling fans in your northern New Jersey home, please contact us at Pipe Works Services

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