Did you know you can use your ceiling fans year-round?
Everyone knows that ceiling fans cool you down in summer, but did you know you can use your ceiling fan in winter too? Although using ceiling fans in winter may seem counterintuitive, it can actually make quite a difference in your comfort level and energy savings. By switching your ceiling fan to winter mode, you can help distribute warm air more evenly throughout the room, making it feel cosier and reducing the strain on your heating system.
Have you ever noticed that your ceiling fan has a switch on top of it? Forward and reverse; summer and winter. In summer, the blades should rotate counter clockwise, pushing cool air downward and creating a refreshing breeze. However, in winter, you'll want to switch the direction to clockwise and run the fan at a low speed. This gentle updraft helps to circulate the warm air that naturally rises to the ceiling, effectively redistributing heat and making the room feel more comfortable.
Let's find out how you can do this - and why you should be!
Summer - Forward
The forward direction of the fan blades in summer mode causes the air to blow downwards, cooling the room and its inhabitants down below. This setting causes more air movement directly below the fan which creates a wind chill effect. This helps evaporate perspiration on our bodies and blow away the hot air that cocoons us, making you feel cooler without the high energy bills associated with air-conditioners.
Winter - Reverse
In winter, cool air tends to gather on the ground, which is where humans tend to be! Instead of turning your heater up and up, switching your ceiling fan to operate in a reverse motion helps draw the cool air upwards and circulates the warm air throughout the room. If using your ceiling fan in winter, it is best to keep it on a slow speed so that there’s no cool breeze created. Below is a figure showing how the ceiling fan circulates hot air near the ceiling more evenly.
Benefits Of Using Your Ceiling Fan In Winter
- More air movement means that cool air doesn’t sit near windows, causing condensation and mould
- Lowering your heater by a few degrees can equal huge energy savings
- For homes with high ceilings, ceiling fans can help distribute heat more evenly
How to change the direction of your ceiling fan
All modern, good quality ceiling fans should have this reverse option. AC fans will have a switch on top of the fan itself, while the direction of DC fans can be changed via the remote control.
If you’re not sure which way to switch the toggle, here’s a quick and easy test. If you stand directly underneath the fan, you should be able to feel more air movement when it’s on the forward ‘summer’ setting.
Use Your Ceiling Fan All Year With Kenner Electrics!
If you want to save money on heating costs, using your ceiling fans in winter is a great way to do this!
Whether you need help installing a ceiling fan, or having your current one repaired or replaced, make sure you speak with our Eastern Suburbs electricians at Kenner Electrics!
