Many people are looking for ways to stay warm in their homes as colder temperatures arrive in parts of the U.S.
A viral social media post suggests people should make sure their ceiling fans are spinning in a clockwise direction for optimal heating during the winter months. The post says this fan direction will “help to push hot air down from the ceiling and circulate it throughout the room.”
THE QUESTION
Does setting a ceiling fan to spin clockwise make your room feel warmer?
THE SOURCES
THE ANSWER
Yes, setting a ceiling fan to spin clockwise makes your room feel warmer.
WHAT WE FOUND
The federal government and two home improvement retailers say setting your ceiling fan to spin in a clockwise direction can make rooms in your home feel warmer.
Ceiling fans “can help improve comfort year-round,” the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) says.
During the cold winter months, ceiling fans should spin clockwise and run at the lowest speed, according to ENERGY Star, the federal government’s energy efficiency program, and Home Depot.
“This produces a gentle updraft, which forces warm air near the ceiling down into the occupied space,” ENERGY Star says.
In turn, you may be able to lower the thermostat without getting too cold and save money on energy costs, our sources say.
If your fan is spinning clockwise in the winter, you shouldn’t feel a downward breeze, according to Lowe’s. The low fan speed also “prevents any drafty ‘wind chill,’ and keeps the airflow steady and consistent,” Home Depot says.
During the summer months, ceiling fans should spin counterclockwise to make the room feel cooler than it is.
There are a few exceptions to these rules, Home Depot and Lowe’s say. For example, if a person has vaulted ceilings, the home improvement retailers recommend leaving the fan on the counterclockwise setting year-round.
Most ceiling fans have a switch on the side of the base that allows people to change the direction of the blades.
This story is also available in Spanish / Lee este artículo también en español: Sí, ajustar un ventilador de techo en reversa hará más cálida tu habitación
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