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As winter approaches, you might think you don't need that ceiling fan anymore. All summer, you had it on to augment the air conditioning, lifting up the hot air so it would rise to the ceiling while pushing down the cool air to occupant level. But hold on. Ceiling fans in winter can actually help make your heating efforts more efficient, keeping you warmer without having to turn up the thermostat. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can cut energy use by as much as 15% in winter and by even more in the summer.
Here's how a ceiling fan can work to make you warmer this winter.
Reversing the Blades of Fans in Winter
It sounds counterintuitive, but the fact is that reversing your fan blades can increase the warmth the occupants of your home feel at ground level. In the summer, the blades should be running counterclockwise. If you have the type of blades that can be reversed with a switch, do so in the winter so they are running clockwise. This will push the warm air down from the ceiling, along the walls, and down to floor level. When the warm air is pushed down, it helps to muscle aside the colder, denser, heavier air that can be lingering at foot level.
Fans in winter are particularly helpful in pushing down warm air when you have high ceilings.
Always run the fan in winter at its lowest speed so you don't feel any windchill.
Be sure that whenever you're replacing a ceiling fan, you get the type with two-way action.
Taking Care of the Ceiling Fan
Always check the fan blades to make sure the edges are clean. Dirty edges will increase the air drag on the blades, and the fan will work less efficiently.
Clean blades either with a vacuum wand attachment or by wrapping an old pillowcase around the blade, wiping it off and then emptying the pillowcase.
Most modern ceiling fans do not require oiling, nor can you change the bearings, as the motors are sealed.
For more on running ceiling fans in winter, contact Air Assurance.