Ceiling fans can help keep you warm in the winter.

Some may not know that ceiling fans have two directions, forward and reverse. Knowing which mode is best for what season can help to keep your heating and cooling costs down. In this economy every penny counts. It is best to check with the manufacturer of your fan to find out the best way to change the direction of the fan blades but most have a switch on the side just below the blades.

In the forward mode the fan turns and pushes air downward. This is used in the summertime to give you a 'wind chill' effect. In the winter time the fan should be in reverse mode. In the reverse mode the fan forces air upward which helps to circulate the air in the room.

The direction the blades turn for forward and reverse will vary depending on the manufacturer. Without reading the instructions that came with your fan or looking up the model on-line the best way to tell if your ceiling fan is in forward or reverse mode is to stand directly under it. If you feel air blown your way it is in forward mode and if you do not feel the air you are in reverse. Remeber when you do decide to change the direction of the fan blades to make sure that it is at a complete stop before trying to flip the switch.

While we are on the subject of ceiling fans it is good to note that you should clean your fan blades at least every week or two. The buildup of dust actually causes more drag and causes the motor to work harder. This will cause the life of your ceiling fan to be cut short. So, to insure a long life with your fan, clean the blades! Swiffer actually makes an attachment just for cleaning ceiling fans. Though I have never used the Swiffer for my fan, I have heard that it works quite well as long as you maintain a routine and don't let the blades get too dirty.

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