Reverse ceiling fans to save on heat bills

Now that you have turned back your clocks to end daylight saving time, Hunter Fan, a company that knows a thing or two about saving, is recommending that those of us with ceiling fans reach for the sky. That’s because you can save as much as 10 percent on your heating bills by reversing the direction of your ceiling fan and turning down the thermostat five degrees.

Unfortunately, only one in five homes with a ceiling fan is taking advantage of this simple way to save, according to Hunter.

“One of the most economical ways to save energy during the winter is to run your ceiling fan in the proper direction,” said Jeremy Tarr, director of ceiling fans for Hunter. “Many people cringe at the notion of lowering their thermostat when it’s cold out to save energy and lower utility bills. That’s why the ceiling fan is so important. Operated correctly, a ceiling fan that’s sized appropriately for the room can save you hundreds on your energy bill without sacrificing comfort.”

As Tarr explains, most ceiling fans have a switch that controls the direction of the blades. When the fan runs counter-clockwise, it blows air down, providing the cooling effect desired during warmer months. By running the fan clockwise during colder months, it circulates the warm air near the ceiling. This circulating effect makes the room warmer, which decreases demands on heating systems and allows you to comfortably turn down your thermostat to save on energy costs.

Information courtesy Hunter Fan Co.