The best ceiling fan direction for summer and winter savings

Why the direction of your ceiling fan matters

Have you ever heard that you can easily save a few bucks by switching the direction of your ceiling fan in summer versus winter? While ceiling fans don’t actually change the temperature in a room, they do move air to help evenly distribute conditioned air and can help make your room feel more comfortable.  Here, we’ll discuss how to use your ceiling fans to help reduce your energy bills and how the direction in which your ceiling fan rotates affects your energy use throughout the year.

How to use ceiling fans for more energy efficiency

The direction in which the fan blades turn on your ceiling fan is what determines whether the airflow creates a cooling breeze (downdraft) or gently redistributes warm air trapped near the ceiling (updraft).

Your ceiling fan uses significantly less energy than either the heating or the cooling components of your HVAC system. During hot, humid summers that are common to Texas and the South, a ceiling fan’s downdraft can make your home feel cooler without overworking the AC. During cold snaps, a slow updraft helps distribute heat and reduce heating runtime while keeping your heating system running efficiently.

Summer setting: Spin counterclockwise

How it works: This direction creates a direct downdraft. While it doesn’t change the room temperature, this "wind-chill effect" helps make the room feel cooler.

Winter setting: Spin clockwise

How it works: On a low speed, this direction pulls cool air up. This displaces the warm air trapped at the ceiling, pushing it down along the walls to warm the living space without creating a draft.

Quick energy-saving tips for cooling and heating:

You can help reduce your energy bill by using your ceiling fan more efficiently:

• Automate for more savings: Connect your fan to a smart thermostat, smart ceiling fan controller or wall switch. Use it to turn the fan on when a room is occupied in summer and schedule short run times in winter to circulate heat.
• Use your windows wisely: Close blinds in summer to block sun and heat. In winter, open them to let in the warm sunlight, then close them at night to trap it in.
• Know when to use your fan: Due to the wind-chill effect, ceiling fans are only able to cool people, not rooms. Turn your fans off in empty spaces during the summer to reduce use, and run the fan on low in rooms with high ceilings in the winter to prevent warm air from getting trapped.
• Choose the right fan speed: In summer, any speed that feels comfortable works. In winter, always use the lowest speed to avoid creating a cooling draft.
   

How to change ceiling fan direction manually

• Step 1: Turn the fan off and wait until the blades stop completely.
• Step 2: Find the reverse switch on the motor housing (often labeled Forward/Reverse or with ↺/↻ icons).
• Step 3: Flip the switch to the desired direction.
• Step 4: Turn the fan back on and verify:

○  Summer: Counterclockwise — you should feel a gentle breeze when you stand under it.

○  Winter: Clockwise on low — you shouldn’t feel a breeze from below.

• Step 5: No visible reverse switch? Check the manual. Some older models need a remote or internal wiring change. Contact a licensed electrician if unsure.

For smart ceiling fans, open the fan’s app or use the remote control and look for settings like direction, reverse or seasonal mode. Many third-party smart wall controllers change fan speed only, not direction. If reverse isn’t available there, use the fan’s app/remote or the housing switch.

Safety tips for changing fan direction:

• Power off: Turn the power off at the wall switch or breaker before inspecting or accessing the fan.
• Don’t move blades by hand: Avoid moving ceiling fan blades while wiring or testing, to prevent damage or injury.
• Get help if needed: If you’re unsure how to adjust your ceiling fan direction, contact a licensed electrician or the fan manufacturer for guidance.

Ceiling fan mistakes that are wasting your energy

These common ceiling fan slip-ups can quickly undo any homeowner’s energy-saving efforts:

Neglecting maintenance: Dust buildup and wobbly blades reduce airflow and waste power. Regularly clean your fan and tighten screws to ensure that it runs efficiently and safely.

Using the wrong fan: A fan that’s too small, mounted too high, or lacks a reverse function won't be effective. Choose a reversible model appropriately sized for your room and installed 8-9 feet from the floor for optimal performance.

Ignoring your electricity plan: If you're on a time-of-use plan, running your air conditioner during peak hours can be expensive. Rely on your fan’s wind-chill effect during these times and run the AC more during cheaper, off-peak hours.