Which Way Should a Ceiling Fan Spin in Summer and Winter?

Summer: counterclockwise

When you look up at the fan, the blades should spin counterclockwise. In that direction the angled blades push air down into the room, which creates a breeze on your skin. The breeze increases evaporation from the skin, so you feel cooler, even though the room temperature has not changed. This is why fans cool people, not rooms.

Winter: clockwise, on low

In winter, switch the fan to clockwise on low speed. The fan pulls air up toward the ceiling and pushes the warm air that has gathered there out and down along the walls, without a direct draft. It is most useful in rooms with high ceilings. Gilbert winters are mild, so the reverse setting is a small comfort gain rather than a big energy saver.

How to change the direction

• Switch on the motor housing. Turn the fan off and let it stop, then flip the small switch on the side of the motor. This is the most common on AC-motor fans.
• Remote or wall control. Many DC-motor fans reverse from the remote or the app.
• Pull chain. A few fans use a chain to reverse.

Always wait until the blades stop before changing direction. If the reverse switch does not work, see our ceiling fan repair page.

How to check which way it is spinning

Stand under the fan and look up. If the blades move counterclockwise (the way a clock's hands would move backward), you are in the summer setting. You should feel air pushed toward you. If you feel little or no breeze at high speed, the fan may be in reverse.

Speed settings for Arizona summers

• High when you are in the room and want to cool off quickly, such as on a patio or in the living room in the afternoon
• Medium or low for bedrooms at night
• Off when you leave the room

Combine fan use with a slightly higher thermostat setting. See how ceiling fans lower AC bills in Arizona.

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