Which Way Should a Ceiling Fan Blow in the Summer & Winter?

Summer Cooling

• In summer, when the indoor temperature is warm, the ceiling fans run counterclockwise to force the air downwards towards the floor to cool the room. When the fan is running in this direction, it is creating a windchill effect. Although the cool breeze will not affect the thermostat temperature reading, the room will feel cooler. Fans speeds vary for comfort level. Run the fan on high and adjust to medium or low, depending on how the cool breeze affects you.

Winter Circulation

• Running the ceiling fan clockwise during the winter when the furnace is running will force the warm air back down and away from the ceiling. Fans are run on low speed to move the air downward. If the speed of the fan is higher, it will cause a windchill effect as it does in the summer while trying to move the warm air downward.

Winter Alternative

• Ceiling fans that are mounted on ceilings higher than 8 feet will work better when operating on medium speed. Because the ceiling is so high off the ground, it takes more wind speed to force the warm air back down towards the floor.

Operational Cost

• Based on 7 cents per kilowatt, the cost will be 70 cents per month to run a fan during the summer and winter during average use (10 kilowatts per month) if the ceiling fan is between 80 and 100 watts. Fans that are used more than average (15 kilowatts per month) will cost $1.05 per month to operate.