You should change the direction of your ceiling fan. This video shows you how
Temperatures are dropping, leaves are falling and that means one thing: it's time to change the direction of your ceiling fan!
Depending on where you live, you might use your ceiling fan year-round. You might be surprised to know that it's not a bad idea. The main purpose of a fan is to circulate air around the room, and they can be used in multiple seasons, thanks in part to the angle of the blades. That’s right, in addition to helping you stay cool in the summer, they can also help keep you warm in the winter. All you have to do is change the direction the it's spinning.
Watch this video to see how easy it is to change the direction of your ceiling fan.
What direction should a ceiling fan turn
Since hot air rises, it settles near your ceiling. In the colder months, the fan’s direction combined with the angle of the blades will push the warm air back down into the room. This will help regulate temperatures and help heat your home more efficiently.
Your ceiling fans should spin:
Counterclockwise in the summer.
Clockwise in the winter.
In addition to changing the direction of your ceiling fans, the Department of Energy recommends setting them on a low speed in the winter. Always turn off the fan when you leave the room to save even more energy.
How to change the direction of a ceiling fan
Adjusting the fan's direction is very easy. Most fans have a tiny switch on the top that changes the direction. Adjust this, and you’re all set. If you have a smart fan, check for a button on the remote.
The process should only take a minute or two per fan, with the majority of that time being spent setting up your stool or ladder to reach it, so you can adjust all the fans in your home in a matter of minutes. Make sure you clean the dust off your fan before turning it on after changing the direction. Otherwise, you risk the chance of a sudden flurry of dust bunnies flying through the air.
Once the seasons make that major change again, just flip the switch the other way.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How do I change the direction on my ceiling fan?
