People love ceiling fans for their ability to keep us feeling cool with the high costs of AC. But most folks don’t think about them much beyond flipping the switch on and off. The truth is that ceiling fans have a lot to offer—if you know how to use and care for them properly.
We’re big believers in the power of the ceiling fan. To get the most out of your fan, we’ve got a few expert insights to help you keep cooler—or warmer—all year long, including which ceiling fan direction it should be spinning in.
Ceiling Fan Direction Really Matters
Did you know that ceiling fans don’t actually cool the air? Instead, they create a steady “wind chill effect” that blows across sweaty skin to make you feel cooler.
However, this effect depends entirely on the direction your fan spins. Here’s what you need to know about ceiling fan direction:
Summer
During hot weather, your ceiling fan should rotate counterclockwise. It creates a downdraft that pushes cool air down towards you, mimicking a gentle breeze and enhancing the cooling effect.
Winter
In the winter, switch your fan to spin clockwise. This creates an updraft that draws cool air near the floor upwards, pushing warm air trapped near the ceiling back down toward your living space. This helps circulate warm air more efficiently, reducing the need to run your heating system more frequently.
Not sure where to find the switch? Most ceiling fans have a binary switch on the main motor housing, while a growing number of newer models use a remote control or wall panel interface to adjust the ceiling fan direction.
Ceiling Fan Speed: Finding the Right Balance
While a higher fan speed might seem ideal on hot days, it’s not always the most efficient option. Here’s why:
Higher Speeds
While they may create a stronger, more forceful breeze, higher speeds can be noisy and use more energy. The strong breeze from the fan’s “wind chill effect” can feel uncomfortably cold for some people, and the constant gust can be disruptive if you’re using paper or other lightweight objects.
Lower Speeds
Lower speeds give you a gentler airflow that’s quieter and uses less energy. The ideal speed depends on your personal preference and the size of the room, but for most situations, a medium speed setting gives you a nice balance between comfort and energy savings.
Maximize Efficiency With Regular Maintenance
Proper care can extend the life of your ceiling fan and provide optimal performance. Add the following maintenance tasks to your monthly or yearly calendar:
- Dusting—Dust the blades once a month with a soft cloth to prevent dust buildup, which can affect airflow, aesthetics, and air quality.
- Cleaning—Twice a year, clean the blades with a damp cloth for a more thorough cleaning. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, and take care not to apply too much pressure.
- Lubrication—Some fan models require occasional lubrication of the motor bearing. Refer to your user manual for instructions.
- Balancing—Over time, fans can become unbalanced. If you see wobbling or hear noise, use a balancing kit (available at most hardware stores) or consult a professional to keep your fan running smoothly.
Choosing the Right Ceiling Fan for Your Needs
If you’re in the market for a new ceiling fan, there are a few factors that can impact the effectiveness of your fixture, including room size, ceiling height, room layout, local climate, and, in commercial or industrial settings, the type of equipment inside. You’ll also want to consider features like speed settings, lighting, remote control functionality, and integration with other building systems such as HVAC or fire suppression.
Better yet, take advantage of Big Ass Fans’ free airflow analysis. We measure your space and use our proprietary SpecLab® computational fluid dynamics software to create a visual simulation of how our fans will direct air circulation through your home or commercial building. We’ll match your needs with one (or more) of our ceiling fans to help you achieve optimal airflow in your space.
Contact the Airflow Experts at Big Ass Fans Now
