Contrary to popular belief, ceiling fans are still good to use in the fall and winter months – even if the temperatures have dropped. In fact, ceiling fans are ideal for use year-round. If used correctly, they can provide a more economical way to keep warm during the fall and winter without relying only on your home heating system. Here’s how to best use ceiling fans in the colder fall and winter months.
1. Change The Direction Of Your Fan
In the summer, your ceiling fan should be spinning counterclockwise. That’s because it pushes cool air down to create a “wind chill effect” like you’d feel outside on a windy day. While ceiling fans don’t raise or lower the temperature of your home, the circulation of air does make us feel cooler (or warmer) depending on the season and direction of the blades. According to EnergyStar, you should turn your ceiling fans clockwise during winter to create the opposite effect – circulating warm air instead of cool air. This has many benefits, including:
- Better Airflow
- Energy Savings
- Positive Impact on the Environment
2. Clean Your Fan Blades
After the summer, make sure you clean and dust off your fan blades. Whether it’s spinning or not, it’s collecting dust, dander, hair, and other things from around your home. Before you switch directions, make sure to clean off all that dust and dirt. This can help you avoid harmful and dirty dust from flying around your house. The last thing you want to do is breathe in all that dust and dirt.
3. Pay Attention to the Speed
Usually, a higher fan speed keeps your home cooler in the summer. However, in the winter, you should slow down the speed. Slowing things down can also impact the fans efficiency in heating your home. A slower rotation is ideal for allowing your ceiling fan to circulate warmer air during those chillier fall and winter months.
4. Set Your Thermostat
In the fall and winter, your thermostat and ceiling fan can work together to make your home more comfortable – and keep your utility bills lower. However, it only keeps bills lower if used correctly. According to EnergyStar, you should you’re your fan off when you’re not in the room. If the room is unoccupied, turning off the ceiling fan can help you save energy. When operating your ceiling fan during these months, set your thermostat a few degrees cooler. You can do this while still enjoying home comfort and a cozy environment.
5. Schedule Maintenance
Like any of your home appliances, routine maintenance can help ensure everything in your home is working at optimal performance all season long. If your fans appear wobbly or unbalanced, it may be time to look into scheduling a maintenance. A repair or replacement may be necessary.
Roman Electric Is Here For All Your Ceiling Fan Needs In Milwaukee, WI and Surrounding Areas!
Roman Electric is Wisconsin’s most trusted electrical experts in handling all of your ceiling fan fixture projects. Whether you need a ceiling fan installed, replaced, or repaired, we can help get the air circulating in your home in no time. Contact us today at 414-369-3798 or online here.