As the temperatures drop in Burnsville, your furnace is likely working overtime. You pay good money to heat your home, but do you know where all that expensive warm air is going? Straight up to the ceiling. It’s a simple fact of physics: heat rises. At Southern Lights, your local lighting store, we want to let you in on a 2-in-1 secret that can make your room feel warmer and lower your heating bills. Your ceiling fan isn't just for summer. Here’s how to turn your fan into a year-round money-saver in three simple steps. Shop today.

Understand the Science

Heat Rises 

That cozy, warm air from your vents doesn't stay where you are. It rises and collects in the top foot or two of your room, leaving the "living area" (where you sit) several degrees cooler. Your thermostat registers this cooler air and clicks on again, costing you money while a pool of warmth floats uselessly above your head.

Find the Reverse Switch 

Almost all modern ceiling fans have a small, manual switch on the motor housing. In summer, you want the fan to spin counter-clockwise to push air down and create a cooling "wind chill." In winter, you want the exact opposite. Flip that switch so the blades spin clockwise.

Run it on Low and Reverse 

Turn your ceiling fan on its lowest speed. In the clockwise direction, the blades will gently pull the cooler air up from below and push the trapped warm air from the ceiling down along the walls. This motion mixes the air in the room, equalizing the temperature without creating a draft. This works for any indoor fan, from a large model in a great room to hugger ceiling fans in rooms with lower ceilings.

SHOP TODAY

Don't let your ceiling fans sit idle all winter. By reversing the direction, you circulate the heat you've already paid for, making your space feel cozier and giving your furnace a much-needed break. If your home is missing a fan or it's time for an upgrade, stop by Southern Lights in Burnsville. We have a huge selection of indoor fans and even outdoor ceiling fans for when summer returns!