How to Adjust Ceiling Fans for Summer Cooling

Ceiling fans cool you down in hot weather.

Ceiling fans are a great way to stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. The fan blades rotate and move the air, allowing the air in the room to feel cooler or warmer. With spring upon us, hotter weather is sure to follow.

Ceiling fans come with a switch that directs the air for winter or summer. Here's how to adjust ceiling fans to cool you off in the summer.

Things You'll Need

• Ceiling fan
• Step ladder
• Tissue

Instructions

1. Turn off the ceiling fan. The switch that adjusts the direction of air flow is located on the mechanism where the fan blades are attached so you need the blades to be still to adjust the fan for cooling.

2. 

   Locate the switch. The switch moves up or down. Move the switch to the down position for summer cooling. During the winter, move the switch up to distribute the warm air back down to the room.

3. To test the ceiling fan to ensure it is blowing air down into the room, get a tissue and stand on the floor under the fan. Hold the tissue under the fan while it is on. Let go. The tissue will drop to the floor. In the winter, with the switch in the up position, the tissue will be pulled up.

Tips & Warnings

• An easy way to remember the switch direction is summer/down, winter/up. Or think of it as summer/south, winter/north.

• Ceiling fans used with air conditioning can reduce energy bills.

• Turn off ceiling fans when you leave a room. They only make the air feel cooler so if no one is in the room to enjoy the breeze, you're wasting energy.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Westinghouse 7861500 Contempra Trio Three-Light 42-Inch