The direction really does matter. Which way the blades on your ceiling fan spin in the summer versus the winter can help you stay more comfortable. It can also make a difference in your energy bill.
According to research done by the U.S. Department of Energy, using a ceiling fan with your air conditioning will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about four degrees with no reduction in comfort. Keep in mind that ceiling fans are using a wind chill effect to cool you – and not the room temperature. But, only if you’ve got those fan blades moving in the right direction.
Counterclockwise for help with staying cool
You want ceiling fans inside and out to rotate counterclockwise during the warmer months here in Florida. This direction pushes cool air down towards the humans on the floor. Your central air conditioning system is removing heat from the interior, but most aren’t very good at moving this cool air once it leaves the vents throughout your home.
A ceiling fan will efficiently circulate the cool air for you. When used in conjunction with your air conditioning, ceiling fans can reduce your energy bills by as much as 40 percent.
Ceiling fans used outdoors provide an additional benefit. They’ll keep you cool, and the constantly moving air is a deterrent to mosquitoes. They prefer still conditions, and the gentle breeze produced by a ceiling fan is enough to keep them away. Mosquitoes are also attracted to carbon dioxide and other chemicals we humans produce – which are easily dispersed by a ceiling fan.
Clockwise for help with staying warm
Air is pulled up when your ceiling fan spins in this direction. The gentle pull accelerates the natural rise of warm air, and then the ceiling fan helps it to radiate outwards so that it moves along the walls and back to the floor.
Is the room actually warmer? Probably not by much, but you’ll feel a difference. Most people say it’s enough to dial down the heat by a few degrees. Over time, this can save you as much as 15 percent in energy costs.
Bigger is better
Ceiling fans with large blades are a better choice. You’ll see a label indicating what’s known as the fan’s efficacy. This information tells you how much air flow you’ll get for the amount of electrical energy the fan uses. Fans with the longest blades produce the highest amount of airflow. The size also allows them to run more efficiently at lower speeds.
They can make a big difference, but ceiling fans can also be a big hassle to install or repair. Now that you’ve solved the mystery of which way the blades should spin, contact us and we’ll get them spinning!