How to Turn the Direction of Ceiling Fans

Set the direction of your ceiling fan blades according to the season.

A typical household uses the bulk of its energy for heating and cooling -- up to 44 percent of the utility bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Many homeowners understand that a ceiling fan can help cool a room during the warm summer months. But ceiling fans also can be used in cooler months to help draw cold air away from the room. Knowing how to properly configure the direction of a ceiling fan can result in year-round household comfort, as well as considerable financial savings.

Things You'll Need

• Fan remote (if applicable)
• Stepladder (for fans without a remote)

Instructions

Fan with Remote Control

1. Turn the fan on. Note direction the fan is turning and which way the air is blowing.

2. Turn the fan off. Allow the fan blades to come to a complete stop.

3. Locate the fan reversal button on the fan's remote control. The button may simply indicate "reverse" or there may be multiple buttons to indicate which way the fan will turn. "Summer-mode" should be used in warmer months, since the counterclockwise movement of the fan blows cool air down to the living space. "Winter-mode" should be used in cooler months, since the clockwise movement of the fan pulls cooler air up toward the ceiling, away from the room.

4. Press the appropriate remote control button to turn the fan on in the desired direction. Confirm the fan is now turning in the opposite direction than it was originally.

Fan without Remote

1. Turn off the fan. Allow the blades to come to a complete stop.

2. Set up a stepladder under the fan. Climb up to the fan. Flip the directional switch on the fan motor. This switch is often unlabeled and sits just below the fan blades.

3. Descend the ladder and move away from the fan blades. Turn the fan on. Ensure the fan is now turning in the desired direction.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the ceiling fan is sized optimally for the room; if the fan is too small, it will not cool or warm the room as efficiently.

• Turn the fan off before turning its direction. This is especially important if the reversal switch will be manually flipped manually on the fan's motor.

References

• Energy Savers: Tips
• City of Tallahassee: Energy Smart Plus Tips for Energy and Water Conservation
• "Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings, 9th Edition: Save Money, Save the Earth"; Jennifer Thorne Amann; 2007

Resources

• Home Depot: Ceiling Fans and Accessories