Which Way Should the Ceiling Fan Rotate?
Ceiling fans are a common fixture in Texas homes, so common in fact that homeowners often don’t give them a second thought – and that’s a mistake. Fans can go a long way in cooling your home and reducing energy costs, but only if they’re used correctly. Keep reading to learn more benefits of ceiling fans and how to get the most from them.
Top 3 Benefits of a Ceiling Fan
- Energy Efficiency: Let’s start with a popular misconception – fans cool people, not rooms. By improving air circulation, ceiling fans can make you feel like the room is several degrees cooler than it really is as the draft it creates helps evaporate moisture from your skin. As a result, you can raise the thermostat and decrease your air conditioning usage. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates savings of up to 1% for every degree the temperature goes up – that can really add up! Look for ENERGY STAR rated fans for additional savings over conventional units.
- Versatile Functionality: Sizes and design options have increased in recent years, meaning more benefits for your space. For example, compact ceiling fans that whisk away humidity are great for bathrooms, while larger industrial styles work well in a home gym to keep you cool during workouts. Ceiling fans with lights also improve lighting conditions, including dimming features that set a relaxed ambiance.
- Improved Air Quality: Ceiling fans redistribute hot air as it rises in a room, helping to dilute indoor air pollutants. Some specialized models also ionize the air, which clears the room of airborne contaminants (dust, allergens, pet dander, etc.). The effect can make a huge difference for those with allergies or other respiratory issues – especially in the summer months when going outside can exacerbate them.
Rotate the Right Way
You won’t reap these benefits though if your fan isn’t rotating the right way. Look closely at your fan’s motor – see that small switch on its side? That changes the direction the blades turn in. Running the fan counterclockwise in the heat of a Texas summer creates a cooling breeze by pulling hot air up. Reverse it to clockwise during the winter makes it so warm air is redirected throughout the room without creating a draft.
That means that ceiling fans can improve air circulation year-round to save on both cooling and heating costs. Just make sure you remember to change the direction as the seasons change!
Experience Better Indoor Air Quality with Frymire Home Services
As signs of spring start to appear, now is the time to think about the quality of your home’s air. As allergens increase and winter dust circulates, the quality of the air you’re breathing inside may actually be poorer than the air outside! This can have a big impact on the health of your HVAC system, as well as the health of your family.
Contact Frymire Home Services at 972-913-2881 for more information about our indoor air quality services. We are happy to tell you more about the ways you can use air filters and other devices to keep your home’s air fresh throughout the year.
