What Way Does a Fan Need to Spin to Keep Heat in a Room?

Ceiling Fans

• Ceiling fans can either help heat or cool a room, depending on the direction in which the blades spin. Running a ceiling fan in a counterclockwise direction will keep the room cool; flipping the switch on the base to make the fan spin clockwise will help circulate warm air. Some fans have a heating device attached that simultaneously warms and circulates air.

Winter Tips

• Turn your fan clockwise in the winter time. This setting pulls warm air from the floor pushes it around the room; warm air moves across the ceiling and walls without causing a draft, mingling with cool air and distributing an even, milder temperature throughout. Using your ceiling fan in this manner will allow you to turn down your thermostat a few degrees by maximizing your heater's effectiveness. Open your drapes and blinds during bright days to benefit from the sun's warmth. Insulate your windows and doors; close blinds and drapes during the evening to keep out cold drafts.

Summer Tips

• Turning your fan counterclockwise during the summer months will help circulate cool air. The fan pushes warm air down, causes it to mix with cooler air and causes a wind chill effect in the room. Using your ceiling fan in this manner will allow you to turn your air conditioner down and still feel cool. If you don't have an air conditioner, place a box fan in your window with the blades blowing air outside during the daytime, to blow out hot air; blow air inside your window during the evenings to pull cooler air inside. If the heat gets unbearable, other options include putting cold towels on your face and neck, taking a cool shower, spraying your skin with ice water frequently, and siting still with your feet immersed in cold water.

Ceiling Fan Tips

• According to the Green Building Advisor.com website, you'll save energy by turning off your ceiling fan whenever no one is in the room. Ceiling fans don't actually raise or lower temperatures; they use the principles of air circulation and wind chill to make room occupants feel more comfortable. Since your ceiling fan is an electrical appliance, it will begin to generate heat the longer you leave it on.