In the summer, the preferred direction for a ceiling fan to spin in is a counterclockwise direction as you look up at the fan blades. You will feel a cool downward airflow as you stand directly under the fan. In the winter, the preferred direction for a ceiling fan to spin in is a clockwise direction.
http://www.delmarfans.com/educate/basics/what-is-the-proper-ceiling-fan-direction/
Today, most ceiling fans include remote controls or wall controls that adjust the direction in which the fan blades rotate, which makes reversing your ceiling fan as simple as pressing a button. Press the forward button to set your ceiling fan to spin counterclockwise for the summer. Press the reverse button to set your fan to spin clockwise for the fall and winter. Remember to adjust your thermostat in order to save money and energy. See Del Mar Fans & Lighting’s selection of remote ceiling fans.
http://www.delmarfans.com/educate/basics/what-is-the-proper-ceiling-fan-direction/
This is the most effective way to heat a room, because the air will rise. In a room with a 16' cathedral ceiling and the thermostat set at 68 degrees F - the uppermost 3 feet can be 90 degrees or higher before the heater shuts off. An incredible waste of energy.
http://www.dansfancity.com/techhelp/wntrsmmr.htm
Setting the Direction for Summer. Turn on the fan and let it run a few seconds. Look at the fan from below and determine which direction it's turning. If it's going counterclockwise and it's summer, you are good to go. If it's going clockwise and it's summer, you need to change the switch to the forward direction.
http://www.tricountyheatingandcooling.com/home/heating_cooling_cincinnati/insights/post/20140513_maximize_air_conditioning_by_changing_the_direction_of_the_ceiling_fans.html
Spring is here and summer is going to follow quickly. That means warm air and the need to cool your home. If you have ceiling fans, they can help you maximize your air conditioning by lowering the temperature. However, that will only work if you have the fan going in the right direction. In the summer, you want the fan to go in a counterclockwise direction, also known as the forward direction. This helps drive air down toward the room's occupants. As the moving air hits the skin, it causes it to feel cooler than it really is.
http://www.tricountyheatingandcooling.com/home/heating_cooling_cincinnati/insights/post/20140513_maximize_air_conditioning_by_changing_the_direction_of_the_ceiling_fans.html
The more evaporation, the cooler the apparent temperature. This means the thermostat on the A/C can be set higher - saving you money. With the reverse switch set for a downward airflow, in almost all cases this is counter-clockwise (looking up), running your ceiling fan on high speed creates a turbulent column of air.
http://www.dansfancity.com/techhelp/wntrsmmr.htm
Change the direction of your fan whenever you switch between heat and AC. Little things like the right setting on your ceiling fan can make a huge impact. Ceiling fans aren't just for summer; changing your fan's directional settings and speed can keep your rooms more comfortable all year long. Using a ceiling fan correctly will also save you money by lowering your heating and air conditioning costs. The best part is, making the change is as simple as flipping a switch.
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/direction-speed-ceiling-fan-rotation-winter-summer-91852.html
Which Way Does It Go? When the weather turns warm, most people know to turn on a fan. But what many don't realize is that a ceiling fan, used correctly, can not only cool things off in summer, but can also help make a room feel warmer in winter. All by flipping a switch. A ceiling fan helps circulate air in the room, which helps reduce the sensation of cold or hot spots.
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/direction-speed-ceiling-fan-rotation-winter-summer-91852.html
Winter and Summer Use. In the summer, ceiling fans are very effective at lowering the apparent temperature by making use of evaporation. When you are hot, you perspire, perhaps only a small amount. This is the body's way of cooling off - Evaporation of the perspiration pulls heat away from your body.
http://www.dansfancity.com/techhelp/wntrsmmr.htm
Clockwise Fan Direction for Warm Winter Comfort. In the winter, ceiling fans should rotate clockwise at a low speed to pull cool air up. The gentle updraft pushes warm air, which naturally rises to the ceiling, down along the walls and back the floor.
http://www.delmarfans.com/educate/basics/what-is-the-proper-ceiling-fan-direction/
which way is a ceiling fan set for summer
A ceiling fan is set in counterclockwise direction for summer. In summer, a ceiling fan is set in counterclockwise direction.