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If you are new to the world of breezy appliances, you may wonder how to change fan direction. Many of the best fans, after all, include rotational bases and some ceiling fans allow you to switch up the blade direction. So, what are the various steps to get this done? Keep reading to find out.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
If you are learning how to position fans to cool a room, changing up the direction the blades spin can help maximize cooling efficiency. When it comes to ceiling fans, change the direction of the blades twice a year, once in fall and once in summer. A fan’s blades should spin clockwise during winter to create an updraft and circulate warm air, even if you are learning how to fix a slow ceiling fan.
Insider Tip
Be sure to clean your fan blades every two to three months to maximize effectiveness and reduce noise during use.
During the summer, make the blades spin counter-clockwise to allow cool breezes to circulate from open windows, even if you are conducting a Westinghouse ceiling fan review.
This option is not available with tower fans if you are looking for the quietest pedestal fan. For ceiling fans, however, there are a few options depending on the make, model, and features of your fan.
Even older pull-chain fans allow for switching directions to suit different seasons. To do this, it requires a simple flip of the switch, though you’ll need a ladder. Turn the fan off and wait until the blades stop spinning. Next, climb up the ladder and check the housing, the lighting fixture, or the upper canopy for a directional switch. Flip the switch, climb down, and power on the fan. It should now be spinning in the opposite direction.
If your fan includes a remote control, you can skip all that ladder climbing. Simply locate the remote and follow the instructions to change the fan’s rotation. If you are a bit rusty regarding the process, check the instructions that accompanied the fan, performing a quick web search for a PDF if necessary.
Modern fans typically feature integration with smart assistants and official smartphone apps. In other words, you may be able to simply ask Alexa to change your fan’s direction. If that fails, simply open up the official app and look for the settings.
STAT: If you have an older fan without a reversible motor, you could adjust the blade pitch to reverse the airflow. Adjust the blade pitch to the right to push air down. Adjust the blade pitch to the left to pull air up. (source)
