Which way should a fan spin in summer? The direction your fan spins matters — learn how to cool your home effectively and efficiently when it’s hot out.
Ceiling fans tend to be “out of sight, out of mind” since they’re permanent fixtures that rarely require our attention. That said, ceiling fan direction matters more than you think, so it’s worth paying attention at certain times of the year. Did you know that there are several ways to cool a room without AC? Learn which way a fan should spin in summer to save money and energy this year.
Ceiling Fan Direction for the Summer Months
The correct ceiling fan direction for summer is counterclockwise, as it creates a downdraft, resulting in a direct and cooling breeze. However, while ceiling fans going counterclockwise can cool you down, they don’t actually cool the air in a room. It improves the air circulation to create a noticeable breeze. To maximize the cooling effect, turn your fan to high speed.
Tip: Remember to shut off the ran when the room is empty to avoid wasting electricity!
Ceiling Fans Can Save Money and Energy
Saving energy is essential for the planet, and saving money is great for your wallet, so changing your ceiling fan direction is helpful no matter how you view it. The clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of the fan push the air in opposite directions. Changing the fan direction seasonally aligns with how your airflow needs to change too.
The downdraft created by the counterclockwise spin helps you circulate cool air and cut energy costs in the summer. The best ceiling fan direction for winter is clockwise because it creates an updraft that helps to circulate warm air. Rooms kept at a consistent temperature don’t require as much heating or cooling, saving you both money and energy.
Other things that can help with heating and cooling your house include summer insulation, choosing the right thermostat settings for winter, knowing when to turn the heat on and watching out for home heating mistakes.
Tips, Tricks and Best Practices
Your spring cleaning is a great time to dust off your fans and change the fan direction for summer.
If you don’t already have ceiling fans installed and are looking to get some, keep the following things in mind:
- A ceiling fan should be hung between seven and nine feet above the floor.
- The blades’ angle should be at least 12 degrees for a maximum cooling effect in summer.
- If the room you wish to cool is larger than 500 square feet, consider installing more than one fan.
- The clearance between the ceiling fan blades and the ceiling should be a minimum of 10 inches.
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