Latest news with #ceilingfan
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Why the direction your fan spins is key to a cooler summer
(NEXSTAR) – An often overlooked switch on ceiling fans could be the key to staying a bit cooler this summer. If you've ever taken a close look at the fan, you may have noticed a small switch located on the side of the fan base. The switch, which is found on nearly every fan, can change the direction the fan spins. Using that switch according to the season will not only keep you more comfortable, but it can also help you save money. In the summer, make sure that your fan is going in a counterclockwise direction, which forces cool air directly downward and creates a 'wind chill effect,' according to Home Depot. In the winter, you can switch it up so the fan rotates clockwise at a low speed, circulating the warm air that gets trapped near the ceiling. If you have ceiling fans as well as air conditioning, using the fan correctly will allow you to raise the thermostat by roughly 4 degrees Fahrenheit and still feel just as comfortable, according to the Department of Energy. In moderately hot weather, you may even be able to turn off the AC. The DOE reminds people to turn off fans in unoccupied rooms. If you're in the market for a ceiling fan, larger fan blades will move more air than smaller ones, but you have to make sure it's an appropriate size for the space. The Department of Energy recommends a 36- or 44-inch diameter fan for rooms up to 225 square feet. If the room is larger, consider a fan that is 52 inches or more, but keep in mind that if the room is longer than 18 feet one fan may not be enough. Ventilation with the proper fan will allow you to raise the thermostat by roughly 4 degrees without discomfort, according to the Department of Energy. Following recent trends, this summer is expected to be especially brutal, according to a forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center. The report, issued in mid-May, found that all states are favored to experience above-average summer heat. The likelihood of a scorching summer varies regionally with the following states seeing the highest probability, according to NOAA: Texas, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona and New Mexico. New England, south Florida and a large swath of the Mountain West are also at an elevated likelihood of a hotter-than-normal summer. Alix Martichoux contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CNET
09-05-2025
- General
- CNET
You're Probably Missing the Easiest Way to Cut Your Electric Bill
Summer heat is here, and if your AC is already working overtime, it might be time to put your ceiling fan to better use. A lot of people overlook it, but when used the right way, your ceiling fan can make you feel noticeably cooler without cranking the air conditioning. According to the US Department of Energy, a fan can make a room feel up to 4 degrees cooler, which means you can raise the thermostat a few notches and still stay comfortable. That small change can lead to real savings on your electric bill, especially during the hottest stretch of the year. And those high temperatures are right around the corner. By adjusting the direction of your fan and making sure you have the right size for your space, you can optimize airflow and comfort as the weather warms up. It's a quick fix that can make a noticeable difference in both your energy usage and your monthly costs. Plus, it's an easy way to reduce your environmental footprint without making any major changes to your routine. Before summer gets here, take a moment to flip this hidden setting on your ceiling fan. You'll stay comfortable all season long and keep your energy bills in check. For more on saving money on energy, learn how unplugging some appliances can save you $100 a year and the most efficient temperature for your thermostat this summer. How to change the direction of your ceiling fan Changing the direction your ceiling fan rotates is simple. It's usually controlled by a sliding switch you can find on the motor housing of the fan. This switch lets you change the fan from spinning clockwise to counterclockwise and vice versa. Before you make any changes, turn off your ceiling fan -- you don't want to hurt yourself or anyone else in your home. Look for the small sliding switch on the side of the fan's motor housing. It should be labeled with markings like "Forward/Reverse" or have arrows pointing in opposite directions. To switch rotation to counterclockwise, slide the switch to the Forward or the counterclockwise setting. For clockwise rotation, slide the same directional switch to the Reverse or clockwise setting. The fan blades will start to push air upward to recirculate warmer air. If there's no switch on your ceiling fan, you may have a remote control that can change the direction with the push of a button. And if you've got a smart fan, you can probably change direction with your voice or by using an app. You may need to check your instruction manual for further help. Set your ceiling fan to counterclockwise in the summer During the summer, you'll want your ceiling fan to rotate in a counterclockwise direction, which will blow cooler air straight down into the room. Just make sure the fins on your fan blades are tilted downward to help push the air toward the floor. You should feel the air in the room start to get cooler. Switch your ceiling fan back to clockwise in the winter In the winter months, you'll want your ceiling fan to rotate in a clockwise direction. The airflow will then be directed upward, which circulates hot air from the ceiling back down into the room to help spread warmth. Other tips for making the most of your ceiling fans If you're looking to reap even more benefits from your ceiling fans, be sure you choose the right kind of fan. According to the Department of Energy, you should look for fans with the Energy Star label, as they're around 60% more efficient than conventional fans. You'll also want to make sure the fan you're using is the correct size for your room. Larger rooms may need bigger fans with blade spans of at least 52 inches or more, while smaller rooms can get by using fans with spans of 36 inches. If changing your fan blades' direction becomes a pain, you might also consider installing a ceiling fan with a remote control or implementing a smart switch. This makes it easier to change the fan direction and speed without having to reach up, use a ladder, or fumble around for the switch to push. The easier it is to change the fan blades' rotation, the easier it is for you to be cooler or warmer in uncomfortable temperatures.
