Staying Warm in Winter Using a Ceiling Fan: How It Works, Benefits, and Frequently Asked

Published October 15, 2024 by Tony Spezza

 

As winter approaches and temperatures plummet, most people rely on their heating systems to stay warm and cozy indoors.

But what if there was a simple, budget-friendly way to stay comfortable on the extra chilly days without breaking the bank? 

Look up. Have you considered the benefits and added comfort your ceiling fan can provide year-round? Many homes have ceiling fans in multiple rooms, but most people don’t realize that they aren’t just important during the warmer months to keep you cool.

Read the following guidelines on how a ceiling fan can not only help keep you cool in the summer but also assist with warmth in the winter and help lower heating costs.

Table of Contents

• Does a Ceiling Fan Really Help in the Winter?
• 5 Benefits of Using Your Ceiling Fan in Winter
• Using a Ceiling Fan in Winter To Stay Warm and Cozy: How It Works
• Frequently Asked Questions About Using Your Ceiling Fan in Winter
• Tips for Using and Maintaining Your Ceiling Fan Throughout the Year
• Stay Comfy in Your Home All Winter Long With Services From AAA Heating and Cooling

Does a Ceiling Fan Really Help in the Winter?

Yes!

The use of a ceiling fan can help regulate the temperature of your home year-round.

Adjusting your ceiling fan to the season will help you save money on both heating and cooling with usually just a flip of a switch!

5 Benefits of Using Your Ceiling Fan in Winter

#1: Reduces Condensation

Some areas in your home are more prone to collecting condensation and humidity, such as the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room.

Consistent airflow with the use of ceiling fans in these rooms helps to move the humidity throughout the home, reducing the potential of moisture or condensation building up on the walls and windows — which also reduces the risk of mold and mildew accumulating in your home.

#2: Lessens the Workload on Your Furnace

Your furnace may be one of the most important appliances in your home during the chilly, damp days of winter. During those brutally cold days, it’s working extra hard to keep you comfortable.

By adding a ceiling fan to a room, you can lessen the workload of the furnace with the fan moving the warm air throughout the room and more evenly distributing the heat.

#3: Extends the Life of Your Furnace

As ceiling fans gently move warm air throughout your home and help reduce the workload of the furnace, they may also help prolong its life.

As with most machines, reducing the stress of the workload may help to prolong the life of the machine in the long run.

Correctly using a ceiling fan during the winter as a budget-friendly approach to efficiency may ultimately prolong the life of your furnace, which is a much greater expense.

#4: Helps Prevent Drafts

When the ceiling fan is on the winter setting, or moving clockwise, it is important to use the lowest setting.

• Heat will be distributed throughout the room.
• The warm air is pushed back up and across the ceiling, and then gently travels downward for optimal heating.
• It prevents a draft or feeling of a breeze.

#5: Decreases Utility Costs

Utilizing a ceiling fan can not only keep your home more comfortable throughout winter, but it can assist in reducing overall utility costs rather than relying solely on your furnace to get the job done.

On average, a ceiling fan will only use between 15 to 90 watts of electricity — about as much as a light bulb. So, by only using the energy necessary to turn on a lamp, you can turn the thermostat down and still have warm air circulating.

The cost of purchasing a ceiling fan vs. the amount of energy saved may be proof of a wise investment.

Additionally, ceiling fan models with an Energy-Star Certified label can be 40-60% more efficient than non-certified models.

Using a Ceiling Fan in Winter To Stay Warm and Cozy: How It Works

As your furnace works to warm the air inside your home, the use of ceiling fans can be instrumental in keeping it warm.

Warm air is lighter than cold air, which means it will rise and stay trapped at ceiling level.

When the ceiling fan is utilized correctly, it will create a current that pushes the warm air down to the floor level of the room, and the cool air circulates to the ceiling.

Frequently Asked Questions About Using Your Ceiling Fan in Winter

Which Way Should a Ceiling Fan Go in Winter?

The winter setting for your ceiling fan is a clockwise rotation.

If the setting is correct, you should not feel a draft or windchill effect if standing beneath the fan.

What Speed Should Your Ceiling Fan Be Set to in Winter?

For winter, the goal for using the ceiling fan is the circulation of warm air — not a breeze for cooling purposes.

To achieve this, use the lowest setting.

At low speed, the fan will create a subtle current of air that gently circulates warm air throughout the room.

How Do You Adjust the Ceiling Fan To Use It During the Winter?

Most ceiling fans have a switch that changes the direction of the blade rotation. On many fans, the button or switch is located on the base of the motor.

To change the direction, simply flip the switch as indicated in the directions included with the fan. Newer fans may be smart models and can be adjusted on your phone or with remote control devices.

For summer rotation, the fan should rotate in a counterclockwise direction and will create the downdraft of air — winter rotation will be clockwise which creates an updraft of air.

When Should You Change the Direction of Your Ceiling Fan To Use It in the Winter?

For optimal efficiency throughout the year, the direction of your ceiling fans can be changed with Daylight Saving Time adjustments.

When we “spring forward” for the year, adjust your ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise for warmer weather and assist with cooling your home.

On the other hand, when time “falls back,” then adjust your fans to rotate clockwise to help your furnace function at the utmost efficiency.

Can a Ceiling Fan Warm a Room?

Although a ceiling will not actually warm the air, it can help with keeping your home warm during the cold winter months.

The fan needs to be on the lowest setting to feel the benefit — any higher setting might actually make the room feel colder. Warm air rises, so it is often warmer near the ceiling which offers little benefit to you shivering on the couch.

Used appropriately, your fan will help redirect the warm air downward to where you are and can help you feel the warmth of your heating cost.

Tips for Using and Maintaining Your Ceiling Fan Throughout the Year

As with any machine, a little maintenance can go a long way.

Prolong the life and maintain your ceiling fan for optimal performance:

• Keep the blades clean. Dust and dirt buildup on the blades or motor causes the fan to work harder and use more energy.
• Develop a habit of turning off the fan when leaving a room. Fans in the room can help the room feel warmer or cooler, but they do not actually heat or cool the room.
• Consider the installation of a ceiling fan with a switch or remote control to make it easier to control the fan rotation.

Stay Comfy in Your Home All Winter Long With Services From AAA Heating and Cooling

AAA Heating and Cooling has been providing reliable HVAC products to Portland residential and business customers since 1961.

Our family-owned business is dedicated to helping you with your Portland home furnace services by providing quality repairs, service, installations, and excellent customer service.

Contact us today for your HVAC needs. Your comfort and health are the top priorities of our expertly trained technicians!