How to use your ceiling fan in winter
Can your ceiling fan’s winter mode really keep your home warm?
It’ll save you money on your heating bill too.
When you think of a ceiling fan, you think of that perfect soft breeze created to keep you cool in summer time.
But fans can do just the opposite too. Literally.
Instead of pulling in air and blowing air downwards, reversing the direction of your ceiling fan pulls in air and pushes it upwards. And, since warm air rises, that warm air that collects near the ceiling gets recirculated and that warm air makes its way back down again. This makes it feel a bit warmer down where you’re sitting or standing.
Stay warm and save money with a ceiling fan’s winter setting
According to consumer advocate site Choice, using a ceiling fan in winter can actually save you money on heating costs — even with your heater on.
Heat from a portable heater on the floor rises up and collects at the ceiling, leaving the areas lower to the ground that you’ll occupy — the couch, the bed — cool. But, a ceiling fan will circulate that air and have that warm air move all around the room.
That means your fan will have to work less to keep the space at a comfortable temperature.
What is a ceiling fan’s winter direction?
In “winter mode” your fan will turn clockwise, pushing air upwards.
In “summer mode”, your fan will turn counterclockwise, pushing air downwards.
How to change the direction on a ceiling fan
Between the blades and where the fan connects to the ceiling, there will be a small switch.
Making it easy, they’re usually labelled “Summer” and “Winter”. Simply flick the switch to “Winter”.
If the label isn’t there or has faded away over time, you may need to test the fan by turning it on. If you can feel the air blowing down on you directly, then it’s in summer mode. Flick the switch to get it into winter mode.
Need help from an electrician
If you are having any problems with your home’s outlets or appliances, get in touch with us today and we’ll be able to arrange a time for an Arconex electrician to come and fix it.
