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Direction of Ceiling Fan Blades

Ceiling fans are a great way to reduce your energy costs. Although they are often associated with warm weather, ceiling fans can also warm rooms in cold weather by adjusting the direction of the blades' rotation.
  1. Counterclockwise

    • The standard setting for most ceiling fans is counterclockwise. When the blades move counterclockwise, they produce a wind chill effect that makes the room seem cooler. Moving the air counterclockwise forces the cooler air at the top of the room down into the living space.

    Clockwise

    • In the winter months, change the direction of your ceiling fan blades to move clockwise. This will draw the cooler air at the bottom of the room up to the top. The cool air will then mix with the warm air at the top of the room and the blades will expel it throughout the living space. This eliminates the usual wind chill effect.

    Tips

    • In addition to correct blade rotation, turn the ceiling fan off when it's not in use to save energy. Also remember to adjust your thermostat in order to reduce energy usage in the winter and summer months.