Summer fan direction: Hot air is here. Make sure your ceiling fan is spinning the right way for cooling

With a week of high temperatures in the 90s and plenty of summer yet to come, it's time to turn on the ceiling fans.

If you have a ceiling fan, changing the direction of the blades is a great way to maximize efficiency. Changing to the right summer fan direction will improve the airflow in your room. Additionally, it can help you save money on your energy bills.

Don't spend the summer months being miserable and sweaty. This guide will discuss how to cool a house by changing your summer fan direction.

If you look at your home ceiling fan, you should notice several things. One thing that you should evaluate is the angle of the blades.

The blades should be at a slight angle, all going in the same direction. Angled ceiling fan blades move the air more effectively.

The next thing you should observe is the direction your ceiling fan spins. Put your fan on low speed to see which way the blades go. The blades will either spin in a counterclockwise or clockwise direction.

Once you determine which direction the blades are going, you can decide if it's circulating cool or hot air. You can easily change the direction by using the switch on your fan or changing it on its remote control. Ensure that your fan is completely turned off before getting up close and personal.

Having your ceiling fan spinning in the right direction during the summer is essential because of the "wind chill effect." The wind chill effect is when the air hits our bodies, it increases how quickly moisture evaporates on our skin. As a result, you feel cooler.

Your ceiling fan should spin counterclockwise during the summer. As the blades spin in that direction, a downdraft is created. A downdraft results in the air getting pushed downward, making a breeze.

With your fan spinning counterclockwise in summer, you can set your air conditioning unit's thermostat to a higher temperature, saving you money on utility bills. You'll want to keep your fan on a low speed, so it doesn't get too breezy in your home.

Change the settings on your fan during the winter, so it spins clockwise.

As the fan spins clockwise, the blades will create an updraft. Any warm air that's settled around your ceiling will circulate throughout your room. This method works great when paired with a fireplace.

As the room begins to feel warmer, you can lower the temperature on your thermostat. As a result, your energy bills will decrease as you use less power to heat your home.

Many modern ceiling fans come with wall controls or a remote where you can change the direction of your fan. Press the button or switch to have your fan spin counterclockwise during the summer. Press the button again to have your fan spin clockwise during winter and fall.

If your ceiling fan doesn't come with a remote or wall controls, you can change the direction by locating the fan's motor housing switch. All you have to do is flip the switch, so the fan blades change direction.

Many people opt for turning on their air conditioning during the summer. They might open a few windows. However, ceiling fans are a great way to stay cool without dramatically increasing energy costs.

You can keep your ceiling fan day and night without worrying about it creating a lot of loud noises. You'll keep your house airy and comfortable as you run it regularly.

Your ceiling fan is a great way to evenly distribute warm or cool air throughout your home. During the summer, your fan will take the cold air from your AC and spread it throughout your home. It'll do the same thing in the cold months with the heat from your fireplace or heating unit.

In addition to cooling down your space, ceiling fans add extra lighting to your room. They're an excellent option for dark rooms that don't have additional lights. You can opt for a ceiling fan with more than one bulb to make it brighter.

Ceiling fans aren't as noisy as they used to be. Modern ceiling fans are extremely quiet. You might not even know they're turned on other than the breeze you feel.

You don't have to install an oversized or clunky fan in your home. There are plenty of modern ceiling fans that come in the following finishes:

You can easily find a ceiling fan that seamlessly blends into your home's decor.

If you have an outdoor patio or porch, you can make it even more enjoyable by having a ceiling fan installed. You can cool down your outside space while also keeping some bugs away.

Knowing the ideal summer fan direction can save you money on your utility bills while ensuring you stay cool during the summer. You can take many passive steps to keep your home comfortable during the summer that won't break the bank.

The summer weather in central North Carolina can be brutal. Don't get surprised by an unexpected heat wave. Keep the WRAL Weather app handy to stay up to date on the forecast and your hour-by-hour outlook.