Which direction are you supposed to set your ceiling fan in the winter?

[Maddy McCall]

To force the warm air down? Mine is moving clockwise right now, and it's FREEZING downstairs, but SWELTERING upstairs on my son's loft.

Should I move the switch so that it circulates counterclockwise?

[Misunderestimator]

1. Here's a source that suggests reversing the direction...

But only for rooms with high ceilings, and only in theory :shrug:

<snip>
What about reversible ceiling fans?

Reversible ceiling fans have a switch that changes the direction of fan blade rotation. This feature is standard on many of today's brands.

In theory, reverse fan rotation is good for winter use because the fan blows air up, creating very little air motion between the fan blades and the floor. The upward air motion supposedly reduces room air stratification by forcing hot air downward, thus allowing lower thermostat settings and reduced heating bills. Reverse fan operation may be beneficial in rooms with high, vaulted ceilings, such as churches, but operating data measured in U. S. Air force hangars disproves this theory.

In high, cathedral-ceiling spaces where direct solar windows gain can cause extensive thermal stratification of the air, ceiling fans operating at low speed can be beneficial as a means of moving warm air down in winter. However, even under these circumstances, ceiling fans should probably not be operated in reverse mode. For normal 8 ft. ceilings, reversible operation of ceiling fans is not recommended.

http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/pubs/EnergyNotes/en-13.htm

[Maddy McCall]

2. Thanks. I have a 20' ceiling in my living room, so that article...

was tailor-made for me. Going to reverse it right now. Thanks a bunch.

[Misunderestimator]

3. Glad I could help!

:thumbsup:

[KitchenWitch]

4. Yes try that

I am not sure which ways mine go to push heat down, but try messing with the switch.