What are the benefits of ceiling fans? | The 5 Best Fans of 2020

What are the benefits of ceiling fans?

Most fans are built for year-round use, and taking advantage of this can help homeowners improve their energy savings. According to estimates by the U.S. Department of Energy, correctly using a ceiling fan can save on both cooling and heating costs. When used in conjunction with air conditioning in summer, you can raise the thermostat 4 degrees with no loss of comfort and recoup up to 30 percent on your energy bills; in winter, you can expect to cut costs by up to 15 percent. 

To fully realize the savings, you must get in the habit of turning off the ceiling fan when all the occupants have left a room. The fan operates by making people in the room feel cooler or warmer, rather than changing the temperature of the air itself. Therefore, shutting the fan off when the room is empty ensures no electricity is wasted. Installing a ceiling fan with remote control or a ceiling fan switch makes it much easier to control the ceiling fan operation, with many remotes offering fan direction changes at the tap of a button. Absent a remote or wall switch, ceiling fans have a reverse switch on the motor housing. Check the location of that switch before you purchase a new ceiling fan to be sure that it is easy to reach. 

Tip: Remember that indoor ceiling fans cannot be installed outdoors because the heat and humidity can warp the blades or damage the motor.  

Ceiling Fan Direction in Summer

A ceiling fan should rotate counterclockwise in the summer so that the blades push cooler air down in a column.  This is the best ceiling fan direction for air conditioning since it makes the air feel cooler than it is, and allows you to turn your thermostat up a tad.  

The counterclockwise rotation is typically set by pushing the directional switch on the side of the motor housing down, but you may need to check your fan's instruction manual to confirm. If you are unsure if your fan is turning the correct direction, stand directly under the fan and look up: if the fan is moving counterclockwise and you feel a rush of air, it's in the correct setting for summer.

If you don’t feel much air movement, it’s possible that the fan is spinning in the wrong direction. Turn off the fan and wait for it to completely stop rotating, then switch the fan rotation by flipping the direction switch. If there is still no air movement when you turn the fan back on, or it is very weak, your fan may have a failing motor or the pitch of the blades may be too flat. Consider upgrading to a newer ceiling fan.

Remember, while a good ceiling fan set to the right ceiling fan direction in summer can take the edge off of a very hot summer, it does not actually cool the air in the room. The ceiling fan improves air circulation and creates a breeze that you feel on your skin, a “wind chill” effect. To maximize the effect, the fan should be turned on to its highest speed. If this produces instability in the fan, see our guide on how to balance a ceiling fan.

Ceiling Fan Direction in Winter

Being advised to turn a fan on in winter may seem like the opposite of help, but even in winter, ceiling fans can be used to help manage the interior climate. 

Ceiling fan direction in winter should be clockwise and the fan should run at the lowest speed. This pulls cool air up toward the ceiling, which in turn displaces the warm air that rises and collects near the ceiling. 

A clockwise ceiling fan direction for high ceilings is especially important in winter. It makes the warmer air trapped at the very top of the room disperse down toward the floor and along the walls to make the room feel warmer, allowing you to lower the thermostat. 

The low speed prevents any drafty “wind chill” and keeps the airflow steady and consistent. When standing under the fan, look up and double-check that the blades are rotating in a clockwise direction.

Ceiling Fan Direction in Specific Rooms

There are a few exceptions and modifications to the ceiling fan summer and winter rules that you can use to control the airflow in your home.

Vaulted ceilings: Leave the fan on the counterclockwise setting year-round since the height of the fan mount makes it unlikely you’ll feel any wind chill. 

Dining rooms: To keep the fan from cooling your food too quickly, set it to turn clockwise at a medium or low speed. There will still be air circulation to cool you, but it won’t be as intense. The same can be said if you are working on paperwork at the table or perhaps playing cards. A fan set to medium and turning clockwise will keep things from blowing everywhere. 

Smokers: Set your ceiling fans to run clockwise when you have a family member or guest who smokes indoors. This will draw the smoke up and away. If possible, open a few windows or turn the AC fan to exhaust to help the smoke leave the room. 

Outdoor: An outdoor ceiling fan on a porch or covered patio will follow many of the same rules as above for cooling or ventilation. You can also use it on summer evenings to help with insect control. Turn the fan on and have it rotate counterclockwise at high speed. The force of the air will help to keep mosquitos and other flying insects away.

Adjusting your ceiling fan to the season will help make your home more comfortable. Once you make sure your ceiling fan direction in winter is clockwise and your ceiling fan direction in summer is counterclockwise, you’ll be able to save money cooling and heating your home. From ceiling fan blades to a new fan, you’ll find everything you need at The Home Depot. Get free delivery on over one million online items.

The 5 Best Fans of 2020

Vornado 660 Whole Room Air Circulator

1- Vornado 660 Large Whole Room Air Circulator Fan with 4 Speeds and 90-Degree Tilt

Increase circulation and stay comfortable with the power of the Vornado 660. This air circulator has four-speed settings and a 90-degree tilt that allows the column of air to be projected horizontally or vertically. It’s designed to circulate the air in a room and, according to users, works best when pointed at a corner, wall, ceiling, or other surfaces that can bounce the air back and distribute it.

The Vornado 660 is quiet—even at higher speeds—so you can carry on a conversation as it runs. It costs more than your typical table fan, but reviewers say it's a durable option that provides excellent circulation and ventilation.

2 - Dyson Pure Cool, TP01 HEPA Air Purifier & Fan, For Large Rooms, Removes Allergens, Pollutants, Dust, Mold, VOCs

Dyson Pure Cool, TP01 HEPA Air Purifier & Fan, For Large Rooms, Removes Allergens, Pollutants, Dust, Mold, VOCs

The Dyson Pure Cool may be pricey, but its bladeless design and superior cooling power make it a popular choice nonetheless. Standing just over 3 feet tall, the Dyson uses air multiplier technology to move up to 114.7 gallons of air per second, providing ample airflow in any room of your house. Since the fan also doubles as an air purifier, the addition of a HEPA filter means the Dyson is capable of removing more than 99 percent of allergens and pollutants—like pollen, dust, and pet dander—that can circulate in your home.

Of course, we have to touch on the fan's most obvious feature—its bladeless design. There are numerous advantages to bladeless fans: cleaning is far easier (there’s no housing to remove or individual fins to wipe), they're safe to use in kid's rooms, and there are no bearings that wear out or become noisy over time. While the fan costs several hundred dollars, nearly every user agrees that it’s a worthwhile investment as you get a powerful, durable fan that will keep you comfortable for the long haul.

3- Lasko 3520 20" Cyclone Pivoting Floor Fan

A floor fan is a popular option if you’re looking to increase airflow in your house, garage, or workshop. The Lasko Cyclone offers three fan speeds and makes a great supplement to your home’s cooling or heating system. The fan's large 20-inch diameter helps it to circulate air and provide a more comfortable environment. Its plastic construction isn’t as rugged or durable as industrial-grade floor fans, but it’s also more affordably priced at just under $40.

Reviewers find the highest speed setting to be fast-moving and some people complain that it is a bit noisy. If you're looking for maximum airflow, though, it is a small (and expected) price to pay. This floor fan is great for living areas but many users have also found it to be a perfect fan for the bedroom to increase circulation and produce white noise for better sleeping conditions.

4- Vornado VFAN Vintage Air Circulator Fan

Vornado VFAN Vintage Air Circulator Fan

If you're a big fan of vintage-style appliances, look no further than the Vornado VFAN. This eye-catching air circulator features a durable metal exterior that's styled after the brand's first fan from 1945 and finished in one of three retro colors. Whether you go for green, chrome, or vintage white, it's a stylish option that looks great on desks, bookshelves, and countertops.

The Vornado is more than just an accent piece, though—reviewers agree that the small-but-mighty fan delivers impressive airflow. Three fan speeds allow you to adjust the circulation to meet your needs, and a pivoting head lets you direct the column of air where it’s needed most. To top it all off, Vornado offers a 5-year hassle-free warranty.

5- Blueair Blue Pure Purifying Fan 3 Speeds with Washable Pre-Filter Reduces Allergens, Dust, Pollen, Pet Hair

If you have dust and pollen in your home, turning on your fan is just going to mix those allergens into the air, making them even more likely to cause sneezing, stuffy noses, or coughing. Rather than getting a fan and and air filter to prevent this, consider a two-in-one, like this pick from Blueair.

This white box fan can filter up to 99 percent of pollen and dust from the air, before circulating it back into the room to cool you down. It has a sleek, modern design, including the washable "prefilter" on the back of the fan, which comes in five colors, so you can match it to your space.