Ceiling Fan Recommendations in Winter vs Summer

Ceiling fans typically provide a feeling of greater comfort in the summer without the negative effects that can result from continuous HVAC fan operation, described elsewhere on the Jack Frost website.

During the summer, air movement should be downward, blowing the air on the occupants and causing a “wind chill” effect. The wind chill effect makes you feel cooler by accelerating the evaporation of perspiration from your skin.

Note that high ceilings may result in considerable heat accumulating well above your personal zone. Operating the fan may bring heat down to where you are, offsetting the beneficial effects. Note, too, that since the impact is based upon wind chill, leaving the fan running while no one is present is a waste of electricity.

In the winter, a ceiling fan can help lower energy costs. The fan direction should be reversed so that the air travels across the ceiling and downward along the walls. This can drive the warmer air close to the ceiling downward, where you are, thereby making you feel warmer without needing to adjust the thermostat setting.

The objective is to NOT create the “wind chill” effect in winter. Because winter air tends to be drier, moisture can be more easily evaporated from the skin, leaving you feeling cooler. A slower fan speed may be a good idea. Unlike summer use, where the benefit is the wind chill factor on the skin, running a ceiling fan continuously MAY result in more effective and even heating, and therefore lower heating costs.