Why You Should Change Your Ceiling Fan Direction for Winter

Change Your Ceiling Fan Direction for Winter

Ceiling fans provide cooling breezes by spinning counterclockwise. You can change the direction of the fan to clockwise in the winter. This creates an updraft that circulates warm air. In fact, it is a good idea to change your ceiling fan direction for winter, and we’ll explain why.

Reversing fan direction:

  • Improves Comfort: The updraft created by fan blades turning clockwise draws cold air upward. Normally, heat rises, but in this situation, the warmest air in the room (near the ceiling) is pushed downward. This means that occupants, whether sitting on a couch or standing on the floor, will benefit from increased warmth.
  • Increases Efficiency: You can lower the thermostat a few degrees because the warmest air in the room is reaching you. This conserves energy and can reduce your heating bill. Comfort can be achieved whether you turn down heaters or use fewer devices, such as space heaters and heating blankets.
  • Reduce Strain on HVAC Components: Your HVAC system works hard to provide the heat that you need. By turning up the thermostat and using your furnace, heat pump, or other components a little less, you can reduce demand and strain, which can mean avoiding or delaying the need for repairs.

How to Change Your Ceiling Fan Direction for Winter

Before switching the direction of the unit, turn the fan off. If you haven’t done so in a while, clean the fan blades to minimize dust. The fan will be safe to approach once the blades stop spinning.

If you have a pull chain fan, turn it off and:

  1. Look for a fan switch on the fan body or light fixture.
  2. Slide the switch over until it locks in a new position.
  3. Replace any components removed to access the switch.

If you have a remote-controlled fan:

  1. Turn the fan off and wait until it stops.
  2. Press the fan button on the remote; hold until the light blinks.
  3. Turn the fan back on; it should move in the opposite direction.

If you have a smart ceiling fan:

  1. Switch the fan off and allow it to stop.
  2. Open your smart ceiling fan app and use the fan direction option to change it.
  3. Or, use the appropriate voice command to trigger the reverse feature.
  4. Activate the fan to ensure it rotates in the opposite direction.

If you have a newer model, it’s likely you won’t have to reach up to find a toggle switch. You can change the fan direction using a remote control or a wall switch. In the case of a smart ceiling fan, just use the smartphone app or personal digital assistant voice command.

But with an older fan, the mechanical switch on the housing may be horizontal or vertical. If it is horizontal, flip the switch to the right for the blades to turn clockwise. If the fan has a vertical switch, flip it up to set it to run in the winter direction.

Change Ceiling Fan Direction for Winter

Contact Express Electrical Services

We can help if you need any kind of assistance with your ceiling fan. Our certified electrical technicians are familiar with all types of troubleshooting and can fix any problem. Ceiling fan installation and repair is a service we’re trusted for throughout the Los Angeles area. But if you have any questions about changing ceiling fan direction for winter, we will be glad to help. Our team is experienced with all types of fans, including traditional, contemporary, and transitional. Schedule your appointment online or call 323-727-7799 to get started