Your ceiling fan has a tiny switch most people never touch, and energy experts say flipping it now can trim your heating bill. Here is what it does.
Clockwise Pushes Warm Air Down
Warm air rises and pools near the ceiling, where it does you no good. Running the fan clockwise on low creates a gentle updraft that pushes trapped warm air back down. Energy auditors say this evens out temperatures without touching the thermostat.
The Two-Minute Fix
Turn the fan off, then flip the small switch on the motor housing to reverse direction. Energy Star advises running the fan on its lowest winter speed so it circulates air without a chilling breeze. Flip it back to counterclockwise in spring for the cooling downdraft.
What It Saves
The Department of Energy says ceiling fans let you lower the thermostat a degree or two while feeling just as warm. Over a heating season, that small change adds up. Auditors note the fan costs pennies a day to run on low.
When Not to Bother
Experts say the trick only helps rooms with high ceilings or poor heat circulation. In small rooms with low ceilings, the effect is barely noticeable. Always turn the fan off when you leave, since fans cool people, not spaces.
Sources: U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Star