Ceiling fans are one of the best ways to keep your home cool during the warmer months, helping you save energy and money spent on running the air conditioning. Did you also know that you can use ceiling fans in the winter to optimize your heat? They’re great to use year-round for comfort, energy efficiencies and savings on utility bills. So, take some stress off of your heating and cooling systems by optimizing the ceiling fan direction in winter months and summertime!
Optimal Direction for Ceiling Fans in the Winter Months
Most ceiling fans automatically rotate counterclockwise, which is why most homeowners buy this appliance to help keep their homes cool. As the fan rotates in the counterclockwise direction, it pushes cool air down to the floor, which helps keep you at a comfortable temperature. As the cool air is pushed down, it creates a wind chill effect, making the room feel cooler when the temperature hasn’t changed at all.
But, did you also know that a fan can actually rotate in the opposite direction, helping to maximize heat? Unbeknownst to many people, ceiling fans can rotate in the clockwise direction as well. As fans rotate clockwise, they pull cool air up while pushing warm air down. However, in order for this work, the fan must be rotating at a low speed. Warm air naturally rises, while cold air sink to the ground. This is why basements are typically colder in most homes, or lying on the floor is a chillier place to be than off the ground. With a fan rotating in the clockwise position, warm air is pushed down while cold air is pulled up, making it easier to maintain a warmer temperature during the winter months.
How Do You Adjust the Setting on a Ceiling Fan?
Most homes that have ceiling fans already installed also come with a simple wall switch or remote that can automatically adjust the settings of the fan, allowing you to easily change from a summer rotational direction to winter. However, homeowners of older homes might have ceiling fans that must be adjusted in the fan itself. Usually, in this instance, there’s a switch on the motor that can be used to change the rotational direction of the ceiling fan. It merely requires a ladder and some reach to adjust it.
By adjusting your ceiling fan for each seasonal temperature, you can save money and energy on both systems year-round. Not only can homeowners save money on air conditioning bills, but switching the direction of the rotation to clockwise during the winter months will help save on heating bills. With this practice, homeowners can remain energy efficient no matter what the season or temperature outside.
Stay Energy-Efficient All Year Round with PFO
Using ceiling fans to their optimal ability can definitely add to an energy-efficient home. However, it’s not the only way to be energy-efficient. If you want a trusted name in heating and air conditiong, talk to the experts at Princeton Fuel. Not only do we sell highly efficient heating and air conditioning, but we also provide valuable service and maintenance that, along with proper ceiling fan usage, will give you a safe and comfortable home. Give us a call at 1-800-253-9001 today.