2 minute read • Last update February 2025
Did you know your ceiling fan can help you stay comfortable year-round and lower your electricity bill? The key is setting the right fan direction during summer and winter. Here’s how it works and how to change the ceiling fan direction in just a few seconds.
| Winter Ceiling Fan Direction | Summer Ceiling Fan Direction |
|---|---|
| Clockwise | Counterclockwise |
In hot summer months, set your ceiling fan direction to counterclockwise.
This creates a wind-chill effect that helps your body cool down. While a fan doesn’t lower the temperature, it makes you feel several degrees cooler, so you can raise your thermostat by a few degrees and save on energy costs.
How to check the ceiling fan is spinning correctly in summer: Stand under the fan. If you feel a strong breeze, it’s set for summer.
In colder winter months, set your ceiling fan direction to clockwise at a low speed.
Warm air rises, so your fan will push it down along the walls, keeping the room warmer without cranking up the heat.
How to check the ceiling fan is rotating correctly in winter: If you don’t feel air moving directly down, it’s in winter mode.
Switching ceiling fan direction is simple:
Ceiling fans are an easy and cost-effective way to reduce your electricity bill without sacrificing comfort. While they don’t actually change the temperature, they help your heating and cooling system work more efficiently.
With a ceiling fan on in the summer, rooms feel cooler so you can set your thermostat to a higher temperature and your air conditioner will consume less electricity. The same is true for the winter but with the temperatures in reverse.
