How to Use Cool Basement Air to Cool the Upstairs

Remove the light fixture from the ceiling.

Replace the light by following the manufacturer's instructions for your fan. Many heavy fans require a brace between the joists in the ceiling. Before doing any electrical work, ensure the circuit breaker for that area of the home is shut off.

Connecting the ceiling's white wire with the white wire of the fan, and the black wire with the black wire of the fan is all that is generally needed to provide the fan with power.

Push the selector switch on the fan. Put it in the position so as it turns it's pulling the air up from below, instead of pushing air down. If you're unsure which way the fan blade should turn, stand under the fan while it's turning. If you feel the air blowing on you, the switch needs to be set in the other direction.

Open a clear path between the basement and the area with the fan. Don't allow closed doors to block the airflow. As the fan turns it will begin to bring up air from below it. Gradually over several minutes the cooler air from the basement will begin to follow the airflow upward toward the fan.