Reverse Your Ceiling Fan Direction for Winter, and Save Energy

Push warm air down from the ceiling, and reduce heating costs.

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Ceiling fans for cooling and energy efficiency.

Photo: Istock

By Brian Clark Howard

We can all appreciate the humble ceiling fan on a hot day, particularly when it's coupled with a cold glass of lemonade. But the same fan that cuts summer electric bills by as much as 40% can also help out in the winter.

Fans today are made with a little switch that changes blade rotation. Counterclockwise produces that pleasant summer breeze we crave. Clockwise makes an updraft that sends the warmer air pooled near the ceiling back into the living space — cutting heating costs by as much as 10%.

Get to know your switch, and you'll have a fan for all seasons.

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