Ceiling fans don’t get enough credit. They are valuable appliances that don’t have to be turned off while your heater or air conditioner runs. Using your ceiling fan can help combat the temperatures and lower your energy bill, regardless of the season.
Many homeowners fail to understand that ceiling fans can provide cool and warm air in your Littleton, CO, home. How is this accomplished? It’s a simple task of changing the direction of your ceiling fan during the summer and winter months.
Doing this can help create a more comfortable environment and well-adjusted thermostat. It can also give your air conditioner a much-needed break and reduce your energy costs. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about changing the direction of your ceiling fan and how it can help you.
Using Your Ceiling Fan in the Summer
Air conditioners have been used for decades to escape the sweltering summer heat. While it is an effective way to remove heat from the air, it can become costly to cool your Littleton, CO, home. The average central air conditioner uses 3,500 watts to provide comfortable temperatures. In contrast, ceiling fans use only 50 watts.
Although it won’t completely replace your air conditioner, a ceiling fan installation will contribute to a cooler home while helping save you money. A local electrician should complete this project to ensure the ceiling fan is correctly installed.
After your ceiling fan installation, you’ll begin to notice the following benefits:
- Cool air and wind chill can make indoor temperatures feel eight degrees cooler
- Reduce energy bills by approximately 40%
- Rely less on central or window air conditioning units
Don’t forget to ask your nearby electrician about ceiling fan installation on your patio. Believe it or not, it can help make your time spent outside more enjoyable.
Finally, if the room you are cooling is bigger than 500 square feet, consider installing multiple ceiling fans to help regulate temperatures.
Which Direction Should a Ceiling Fan Rotate in the Summer?
During the warmer months in Littleton, CO, set your ceiling fan to spin counterclockwise. The air is forced down as it turns in this direction, creating a cool breeze. Spinning the ceiling fan in this direction helps keep the temperature in the room consistent throughout the day, reducing the need for the air conditioner to work hard.
A quality ceiling fan will keep temperatures lower in your home while saving energy. Ask your local electrician which ceiling fan they would recommend.
Blade Angles Count
Check the angle of your ceiling fan blades. They should be set to a minimum of 12 degrees. You can set them at any degree, but larger than 16 degrees may create wind and disturb loose objects.
Using Your Ceiling Fan in the Winter
Using a ceiling fan during the winter seems a little silly, right? But does an extra estimated 15% savings on your heating bills sound ridiculous? Not likely!
Running a ceiling fan in the colder months can help maintain any heat pumped out of your heating system. You can keep the thermostat set at a lower setting, still keeping a comfortable temperature.
Using a ceiling fan during the winter will help you reap the following benefits:
- Heating costs are reduced by approximately 15%
- Reduce the need for heating fuel
- Eliminates space heaters and electric blankets that create safety hazards
Keep your fan spinning at a low speed to help air move upward.
Which Direction Should a Ceiling Fan Rotate in the Winter?
When the cool winter days arrive in Littleton, CO, change your ceiling fan to spin clockwise. Since warm air naturally rises, the spinning motion of the fan will help redistribute the warm air that has gathered near the ceiling. This helps make the room feel warmer, allowing you to keep the thermostat at a lower setting.
Adjusting the Rotation of a Ceiling Fan
Your local electrician may install a newer model ceiling fan powered by remote control. This remote allows you to easily change the fan’s rotation with the push of a button. Without a remote, you’ll need a ladder and a good pair of eyes.
Get yourself at eye level with the fan and look for a toggle switch. This could be located on the “stem” of the ceiling fan, below the blade. Move the button to the desired rotation and let the fan do its work.
To ensure you’re using the right setting, check the direction the fan is rotating. A fan moving clockwise will move in the same direction as the hands of a clock for the recommended winter setting. If the blades turn in the opposite direction — counterclockwise — it is ready for summer.
What’s the Best Direction for Spring and Fall?
There’s no absolute guideline for the direction of your ceiling fan blades during the spring and fall. Ask your nearby electrician for their advice, but most likely, you’ll want to use a counterclockwise setting in the spring and clockwise in the fall.
Trust Our Nearby Electricians for Ceiling Fan Installation
If this information has helped you decide to install a ceiling fan in your Littleton, CO, home, call MZ Electric. We have the knowledge, skills, and passion for helping you with all of your electrical needs!