How to Reverse the Ceiling Fan for Winter

People run ceiling fans to help keep cool and lower air conditioning costs during the long, hot dog days of summer but the spinning circulators can help keep homes warm in the winter, too. Reversing the travel direction of a ceiling fan in winter forces air upwards then down along the walls of a room. Forcing hot air accumulated at the ceiling back down to floor level allows you to heat your home more evenly and efficiently.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Examine the ceiling fan for a directional switch.

   • 2

     Flip the switch to set the fan for an upward air flow. Most fans rotate clockwise when set to blow upward.

   • 3

     Turn on the fan and hold a hand up to feel for air. Avoid touching the fan blades. If you feel air blowing down on your hands, flip the directional switch again to reverse the rotation of the blades again.

   • 4

     Set the fan to its lowest speed setting for the winter.