In both the winter and summer, one of our easiest and most effective energy-saving tips involves your ceiling fan. You know your ceiling fan can keep you cool in the summer — it can also keep you warm in the winter.

All you need to do is make sure your ceiling fan spins in the right direction. In the summer, having your fan run counterclockwise pulls up warm air and creates a cooling downdraft.

In the winter, the opposite is true. Having your fan run clockwise pushes down — and disperses — warm air throughout your home, keeping you feeling warmer.

Although every home is different, running your ceiling fan clockwise in winter can keep you warmer, saving average homeowners 15% on their heating bills. That’s a 15% saving every month just by flipping a switch.

Here’s how and why you should reverse your ceiling fan’s direction.

How to Reverse Ceiling Fan Direction

Step 1: Determine ceiling fan direction

The right rotation is needed to accomplish your goal. If you stand directly under your fan and feel movement, your fan is spinning clockwise.

Remember…

Clockwise: keeps you warm in the winter by pushing down warm air, which naturally rises.

Counterclockwise: helps you stay cool in summer by pulling up the heat and creating a downdraft.

Step 2: Turn off the Ceiling Fan

Your ceiling fan rotation may not change direction unless it’s already off.

Turn off your ceiling fan before reversing direction to be safe, just turn it off.

Step 3: Get a step ladder

Unless you are 7+ feet tall you’re going to need some help reaching the rotation reversal switch.

Use a ladder to reach your ceiling fan

Trying to balance on a chair can lead to a nasty fall — and bigger problems than spending too much on your heating bills. So be safe and use a step ladder.

Step Four: Locate the Switch

This analog switch generally will be located on the fan base along with the blades.

Reverse your ceiling fan direction for winter comfort and savings

Wall switches and cords dangling from the base may control lights and ceiling fan speed. You need to look for a switch on the base.

Step Five: Flip that Switch!

This step is pretty self-explanatory. So flip that switch like a champ and enjoy your approximate 15% savings — every month!

Other Ways You Can Save on Your Heating Bills

If you don’t have a ceiling fan or want to double down on energy bill savings, your HVAC system is the first place to look.

Energy Star estimates that heating and cooling accounts for 42% of your total energy bill. That’s the biggest chunk by a large margin — it makes for a great place to start when you want to save.

We offer the services to help you save every month.

Air Duct Repair — Damage to your air ducts can cost you big time. Even if you can’t see the damage with the naked eye doesn’t mean it isn’t costing you. Professional duct repair saves the average homeowner 20% on their heating and cooling bills.

Heating System Tuneup — Boiler, furnace, or heat pump, we service all heating systems. During a heating system tuneup, a One Hour technician will remedy ordinary wear and tear, while inspecting the system for the signs of a possible breakdown. Not only does this keep your system running it restores any lost efficiency.

Your ceiling fan can be good for a lot more than style. You know your ceiling fan will keep you cool in the summer — and with the simple flip of a switch, it can help you stay warmer in the winter.

From start to finish you’ll spend about two minutes reversing the direction of your ceiling fan but you’ll save approximately 15% and stay comfortable all winter long!

You also know that One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® of Toms River is ready to partner with you to help you save in other ways.

Contact us at (732) 355-3959 for heating system tuneup, duct sealing, and all of your HVAC needs.