Ceiling Fan Direction for Summer and Winter

Ceiling Fan Direction

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You might think of a fan as a summer accessory only, but by adjusting your ceiling fan direction you will see major improvements in the comfort of your room year-round. 

Ceiling fans should spin counter-clockwise in the summer. And in the winter, your ceiling fan direction should be clockwise. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, using a ceiling fan correctly will keep your energy bills lower. 

Read on for answers to the most frequently asked questions in regards to changing your ceiling fan direction. 

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How do I change the direction of my ceiling fan? 

Does your ceiling fan have a wall control or a remote control? In these cases, there is usually a button that you can press to easily switch the direction of your fan blades. 

If your fan doesn’t have either of these, it’s still not a difficult process to change the direction of your fan. Just locate the toggle switch on the side of your fan’s motor, and flip it in the opposite direction. On most units, the switch is located on the fan’s motor, right above or below the blades.

Here are the general rules of thumb for direction on a toggle switch:

• Down or to the Left - Summer Airflow (Counter-clockwise)

• Up or to the Right - Winter Airflow (Clockwise)

Always make sure to turn off your fan before you try to find the switch. Wait until the blades have come to a complete stop. Then, use a step ladder or a stool to climb up and locate the switch. If the fan is very high, you might need a taller ladder. Make sure that the feet of the ladder are securely resting on the ground, and have a partner hold the ladder steady while you climb up. 

Which Way Should My Fan Spin in the Summer? 

In the summer, your fan blades should spin counter-clockwise. This will push the air down into the room, allowing you to feel a gentle breeze. 

How can I tell if my fan is turning counter-clockwise? 

You’ve found the switch or the button to change your fan’s direction. But how do you know if it’s turning the right direction? It can be hard to tell which way is clockwise and which is counterclockwise when the blades are whipping around. 

There’s an easy way to do this that doesn’t involve craning your neck. Just turn the fan all the way up so it is spinning as fast as possible. If you can’t feel a breeze, change the direction until you are able to feel it. Once you are able to feel the air blowing down on you, that means your fan is turning counter-clockwise. You are now ready for summer.

Can a ceiling fan help me to save on energy costs?

Absolutely. Homeowners stand to benefit in many ways by using a ceiling fan in the summer. In fact, using a ceiling fan can save you up to 40% on air conditioning bills. It does this by reducing the number of times your air conditioner switches on. The breeze from the fan will also make the entire room feel cooler at higher temperatures, so you can set your thermostat up to 4 degrees higher, or even forgo the A/C altogether.

Pro Tip: Make sure to turn your fan off whenever you leave the room. Remember, ceiling fans work by creating a comfortable breeze, not by cooling down the room temperature. 

Which Way Should My Fan Spin in the Winter? 

In the winter or in colder weather, your fan should spin clockwise. Spinning in reverse will pull the air up towards the ceiling. This way, the air in your room will continue to circulate without creating a chilly breeze. 

How do I know if my fan is turning clockwise? 

Turn your fan all the way up and stand underneath it. Can you feel a breeze wafting down? If you can’t feel a thing, that means your fan is turning clockwise. You’re ready for winter!

I can’t feel the breeze in either direction. What does that mean? 

If you can’t feel it either way, that can mean one of two things. If your ceiling is two stories high or vaulted, the fan may simply be too high to create a breeze that you can feel. In this case, keep it in the summer direction at all times. 

If you don’t have a high ceiling but your fan is still not creating a breeze, it’s likely that your fan was either poorly made or needs to be replaced. Lack of ventilation is usually a sign of a substandard motor or an ineffective blade pitch. 

When to Break the Rules

All rules have a handful of exceptions, and ceiling fan direction is no different. Here are three situations where you may want to deviate from the usual “counter-clockwise in summer, clockwise in winter” rules.

1. You have a vaulted ceiling.

When your fan is mounted high above the room, you usually won’t be able to feel a breeze. In these cases, then, you don’t have to worry about changing the way it turns. Simply keep it in a counterclockwise direction at all times to improve the airflow in your room. 

2. The fan is over a table.

We do all sorts of things at the table: eat, play games, maybe even work or file paperwork. In all of these situations, you probably aren’t going to want a heavy breeze coming from the fan above and cooling your food off or blowing your papers everywhere. In these cases, it may be easiest to keep your fan turning clockwise to pull air up. 

3. You don’t like having air blow on you while you sleep. 

This is entirely a personal preference. Some people really enjoy a cooling breeze while they sleep. But, if it keeps you awake or bothers you, simply keep your fan in the winter direction (clockwise). 

Choose the Right Ceiling Fan for You

Just like all other types of home decor, ceiling fans come in many shapes and sizes to accommodate different homes and rooms. If your room is 225 square feet or less, a smaller fan (between 36-44 inches in diameter) should be able to provide enough circulation. For large rooms, try fans that are at least 52 inches in diameter. 

Finally, make sure to look for the EnergyGuide label to compare how energy efficient the fan will be for your home. Choosing the right appliance and adjusting your ceiling fan direction for the seasons will help you to save money on energy bills — not to mention the fact that you’ll feel more comfortable in your home.

Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C