Ceiling fans keep you cool and help reduce your energy bill! The ceiling fan makes the room feel cooler when people are present, which allows you to turn up the thermostat a few degrees while maintaining a comfortable temperature. This can save on energy costs and reduce the strain on the HVAC system.

Ceiling fans often feature a reversible motor. For ones that do, set it so the ceiling fan blades spin counterclockwise in the summer and clockwise in the winter. During the summer, the blades push down the cold air. Running them clockwise in the winter can help disperse warm air gathered near the ceiling and may help the room feel warmer.

A ceiling fan can also come with other features, like a light source, pull chains, or remote control for added convenience. Ceiling fans with remotes add ease of use while LED ceiling fans can feature an energy efficient integrated LED or LED light kit. Ceiling fans with light kits may use LED bulbs to efficiently brighten a room.

Ceiling fans do not adjust the temperature in the room. They also do not change the temperature of the air itself. Instead, they rely on evaporative cooling. Ceiling fans provide a breeze that evaporates the sweat or moisture from skin. This makes you feel cooler without changing the temperature of the room.

To save energy, shut the fan off when no one is in the room. Because these fans rely on evaporative cooling, they won't keep an empty room cool.

Use ceiling fans in rooms with a ceiling height of 8 feet or above and with appropriate clearance. Mount ceiling fans at least 7 feet from the floor. Ideally, install them 8-9 feet from the floor to allow for optimal airflow. For rooms with high ceilings, you can often find downrods that allow the ceiling fan to hang at the appropriate height.

Ceiling fans should sit about 18 inches away from a wall and have at least 12 inches between it and the ceiling to allow for correct clearance and efficient air circulation. The size of the ceiling fan you need for the room depends on the square feet. The larger the room, the larger the fan needed to cool it.

The size of the fan should match the size of the space. Ceiling fans typically range in size from 29-54 inches, though some can be a little larger. This length measures the blade span, from the tip of one blade to another. The most common sizes are 42 and 52 inches.

Room size can determine the size of the fan you need:

• 42-inch - up to 144 square feet
• 44-inch - up to 225 square feet
• 52-inch - up to 400 square feet

Light kits allow your fan to provide light to the space. While some ceiling fans can accommodate a light kit, not all can. Many ceiling fans already come with a light kit or housing assembly that allows you to install a ceiling fan light kit. When deciding to add a light kit, check with the manufacturer to see if the fan allows it.

Learn more about ceiling fans with our simple guide to ceiling fans and wall fans!