It’s often the simple things that can make a difference to your home’s comfort and efficiency, like ceiling fan direction, for instance. When you install a ceiling fan with a reverse switch, you can save money on your utility bills without diminishing your home’s comfort with just a flip of the switch, winter or summer. Here’s how.
Counterclockwise or Clockwise?
If you have a fan with a reverse switch, fan blades should run counterclockwise in the summer. The blades will create a breeze that will reach the home’s occupants at floor level. As humans perspire, the sweat on the skin evaporates. Any passing breeze creates the wind chill effect, causing us to feel cooler even when the temperature remains the same. This allows the homeowner to keep the thermostat a few degrees higher than would otherwise be comfortable, thus saving money on the utility bill.
Reverse the blades in the winter to run clockwise, and they will lift up dense, cool air that has sunk to floor level. Lighter, warmer air produced by the furnace that would otherwise hover at ceiling level will be pushed to the walls, where it will then slide down and reach individuals in the room. This will allow them to feel warmer without the need for turning up the thermostat.
Choosing a Fan
Ceiling fans are relatively inexpensive and easily installed. Make sure yours has a reverse switch. Choose a fan that’s the right height for the room. In rooms with low ceilings, you’ll need a fan that’s flush-mounted. You may need an extension rod for fans installed in rooms with high ceilings. Likewise, consider fan blade length carefully, as well as control options, such as a remote, wall switch or pull chain.
For more on ceiling fan direction, or to find out about Herchenbach Mechanical Inc.‘s heating and cooling solutions, call us today at (847) 260-9335.
