Quick Answer
In summer, your ceiling fan should spin counterclockwise (the standard direction) to push cool air down. In winter, flip the switch so it spins clockwise on low speed to pull cool air up and push warm air down from the ceiling. The direction switch is usually on the motor housing—look for a small toggle switch. Remember: counterclockwise for cooling, clockwise for heating.
Most people don't realize their ceiling fan has a direction switch—or that using it correctly can make your home more comfortable AND save money on energy bills. Here's the simple guide to getting it right.
The Simple Rule
Quick Answer
Summer Setting: Counterclockwise
In summer, you want to feel a cool breeze. Set your fan to spin counterclockwise (when looking up at it). This pushes air straight down, creating a wind-chill effect that makes you feel 4-8°F cooler without actually lowering the room temperature.
This allows you to raise your thermostat setting by a few degrees while staying comfortable—saving energy and money.
- Direction: Counterclockwise (standard direction)
- Speed: Medium to high
- Effect: Direct downdraft, cooling breeze
- Thermostat tip: Raise setting 2-4°F while fans run
Winter Setting: Clockwise
In winter, reverse the direction to clockwise and run the fan on low speed. This creates an updraft that pulls cool air up and pushes the warm air (which rises to the ceiling) back down along the walls and into the living space.
You won't feel a breeze—that's the point. You're redistributing heat, not creating wind chill.
- Direction: Clockwise (reverse direction)
- Speed: Low
- Effect: Gentle updraft, circulates warm air
- Thermostat tip: Can lower heating setting 1-2°F
How to Find the Direction Switch
The direction switch is typically located on the motor housing—the part where the blades attach. Look for a small toggle or sliding switch.
Changing Fan Direction
- 1
Turn off the fan completely
Wait for the blades to stop moving. Never flip the switch while the fan is running.
- 2
Locate the switch
Look on the side of the motor housing, just above the blades. It's usually a small black toggle switch.
- 3
Flip the switch
Move it to the opposite position.
- 4
Turn fan on and verify
Watch the blades. For summer, the leading edge of the blade should move first (counterclockwise when looking up). For winter, the opposite.
Can't Reach the Switch?
How to Tell Which Way Your Fan Is Spinning
Stand under the fan and look up:
- Counterclockwise (summer): The leading edge of each blade comes first. You'll feel air pushing down.
- Clockwise (winter): The trailing edge of each blade comes first. You should feel little to no breeze directly underneath.
Still not sure? Hold a piece of tissue paper under the fan. If it blows down, you're in summer mode. If it gets pulled up slightly or doesn't move much, you're in winter mode.
Energy Savings from Proper Fan Direction
| Season | Fan Setting | Potential Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | Counterclockwise + raise thermostat 4°F | 4-8% on cooling costs |
| Winter | Clockwise on low + lower thermostat 2°F | 2-4% on heating costs |
Ceiling fans cost only 1-2 cents per hour to run, so the savings from adjusting your thermostat far outweigh the cost of running the fan.
Common Mistakes
- Running fan on high in winter: Creates unwanted wind chill. Use low speed only.
- Running fans in empty rooms: Fans cool people, not rooms. Turn them off when you leave.
- Never changing direction: You're missing half the benefit.
- Ignoring the switch: Many people don't know it exists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Help With Your HVAC?
$89 diagnostic fee waived with repairs. Same-day service available.
Need Professional Help?
Our expert technicians serve the Charlotte metro area with same-day service available.
$89 diagnostic fee waived with repairs • Same-day service available
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready for a Free Estimate?
No pressure, no obligation. Get honest pricing for your HVAC project.
Written by
Kodiak HVAC Team
HVAC professional at Kodiak Heating & Cooling.