/content/fplgp/us/en/blog/ask-the-expert/ceiling-fan.html

With extreme cold weather, your bill may be higher due to increased energy use from heating. We know this can be stressful. If you're experiencing hardship, we're here to help. Call us at 800-225-5797

ask the expert hero blue banner

Ask the Energy Expert

Are you using your ceiling fan the right way?

Leave it on? Turn it off? Does a fan lower my A/C use? We’re here to clear up this confusion and help you save on your energy bill.              

ceiling fan

Fan confusion: your top ceiling fan questions answered

Our inbox has been filling up with questions about ceiling fans. Do they save or waste energy? What direction should they spin? And should you leave them on when you’re not in the room? There’s a lot of fan confusion—so let’s clear things up.

Turn it off when you leave
The biggest mistake people make is leaving fans on in empty rooms. Ceiling fans don’t cool the air—they cool people by creating a breeze. If no one is there to feel it, the fan is just wasting electricity. Turning off fans when you leave can save up to $7 per month, per fan.

Can fans help lower A/C costs?
Yes—but only when used correctly. The breeze from a ceiling fan helps you feel cooler, which means you can set your thermostat a few degrees higher while staying comfortable. That small adjustment can cut A/C costs by up to 15%.

What direction should your fan spin?
Warmer months: Set your fan to counterclockwise to create a cooling breeze.
Cooler months: Switch it to clockwise at a low speed to push warm air down, helping to circulate heat more evenly.

These quick adjustment help keep energy use in check year-round.

marcos

Meet Marcos

Marcos specializes in customer service, analytics, and problem-solving. With more than 24 years of experience, he is passionate about identifying realistic solutions to meet people's lifestyles and connecting with the community.

ask the expert blue banner

 

It's your turn to Ask the Energy Expert

Do you have question in mind? Send it to our experts for consideration in an upcoming post.

Submit

piggy bank with coins

 

Looking for more ways to save?

Discover innovative programs, expert tips and advanced tools to boost energy-efficiency!

Take a look