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Should a Ceiling Fan Turn Clockwise or Counterclockwise?
It depends on the season. Changing the direction of a ceiling fan in summer and winter can make a big difference in how comfortable you are and can help you save money on heating and cooling.
Like changing the clocks twice a year or swapping out the batteries in the smoke detectors, you should also change the direction of your ceiling fans in the summer and winter.
Vintage-Look Ceiling Fan Adds Midcentury-Modern Accent to Teen Bedroom
Blue floral curtains stand out against the blue walls in this teen bedroom. A vintage-style fan adds a touch of midcentury-modern flair to the transitional space, which also includes custom leather headboards and custom artwork.
Photo by: Robert Peterson; Rustic White Photography
Robert Peterson; Rustic White Photography
In summer, a ceiling fan should rotate counterclockwise to create a downdraft and a cooling breeze. Use a ceiling fan even when your central air conditioning is turned on. The fan will help the air conditioning work more effectively by distributing the colder air more quickly. Plus, the fan's wind chill effect will mean the AC doesn't have to work so hard, saving you money.
We’ve all heard that heat rises. So, in the winter, flip the direction of the ceiling fan to clockwise. This will create an updraft that will bring the warm air down into your living space. This can be especially helpful in rooms with high ceilings. Keep the fan on a low setting in the winter, otherwise you may experience a breeze that will make you feel even colder.
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Heat rises. So in winter, running a ceiling fan clockwise on a low setting will pull the warm air down into the living space making the room feel warmer.
Not sure how to change the direction of a ceiling fan? Your best bet is to locate the owner’s manual. Older models may have a switch on the ceiling-hugging part of the fan or around the motor. (While you’re up there changing the direction, might as clean the fan blades.) On some models, you may be able to change the fan’s rotation via its remote control. And smart fans will have it on their app or controller.
If you can’t tell which way your fan is currently spinning, turn the fan off and take note of the blades’ pitch or angle; is it lower on the right or left? Then turn the fan on the lowest setting and stand underneath and watch the blades spin. If it’s in summer mode — counterclockwise — the blades will be moving from right to left and the opposite if it’s in winter mode. When it’s in summer mode you’ll also feel the strongest breeze because of its downdraft.
If you wish your ceiling was more powerful, check to see if you can adjust its blade pitch. It should be about 10 to 15 degrees. Any higher than 16 degrees and you may have items blowing around the room. If you want more airflow, increase the angle. But keep in mind, that the increased angle will mean the fan’s motor will have to work harder. The opposite is true if you decrease the blade pitch — there’ll be less airflow and less wear on the motor.
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