Ceiling fans should rotate in a counterclockwise direction for spring and summer. The fan will push air downward and create a cooling breeze.
Ceiling fans should rotate in a clockwise direction during fall and winter. Warm air that naturally rises to the ceiling will be moved back down to the floor level.
Many ceiling fans come with lights. Use the new compact fluorescent bulbs. This will reduce the electric bill. Also, these bulbs do not generate as much heat as an incandescent bulb, which offsets the cooling effects in summer.