In many homes, ceiling fans run more or less year-round. In winter, they circulate the air to keep the rising hot air from furnace registers from collecting at the ceiling. In summer, they cool using the wind-chill principle: Moving air evaporates perspiration, which causes us to feel cooler than the air. You can enjoy the fresh air from open windows and stilll feel cool. Ceiling fans also can be used with air conditioning. Set the thermostat several degrees higher and still feel just as comfortable.
The key for comfort is to have your fan running in the correct direction. In winter, the "reverse" switch makes the blades run clockwise, pushing the air upward to recirculate the warm air that collects near the ceiling without causing a chill-producing draft. In summer, the blades should run counterclockwise. So how do you know which direction is right?
Simple: Just stand underneath it. If you don't feel air movement on your skin, this is the winter setting. If you do feel a draft, you're set for summer.
Be aware, though, that not all models have a reverse switch. They'll work fine for hot weather -- no need for adjustment -- but won't help you in the cold.
Some houses with high ceilings may benefit from a different approach. Some homeowners run the fan in summer in the reverse (winter) direction to keep the cool air-conditioned air coming out of upstairs vents in the upper levels, which tend to be hotter.
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-- Homes & Gardens staff
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