When you list the appliances you use in winter or fall, your fans and ACs will likely not make that list. But using and cleaning your ceiling fan in those months isn’t as far-fetched as you might think. Your ceiling fan could even help reduce your energy bill and circulate warm air around your home if you know the right things to do.

And telling you exactly how to do that is where we come in. Read on to know how best to use your ceiling fans in cold months and ways to clean them.

Tips to maximize your ceiling fan in the cold

1. Change the fan’s direction

Most fans have a feature that changes the direction the blades are spinning, although many people need to be aware of this feature. In colder months, your blades should be turning in a clockwise direction. According to EnergyStar, this creates an updraft that forces warm air near the ceiling down to the space below.

2. Monitor your fan speed

A lower rotation speed will help circulate the warm air more effectively than a higher speed. 

3. Adjust your thermostat

You can set your thermostat a few degrees cooler when using your ceiling fan to circulate warm air in a space. This is because your fan and thermostat can work together to ensure your area is warm even with your heating set at a lower temperature. This hack can help you save some dollars on your energy bill for those months.

4. Clean your ceiling fan regularly

This is one tip for every time of the year, but mainly for the cold months. Because most people hardly turn on their fans in these cold months, winter dust typically collects on the blades. Cleaning your ceiling fan before using it helps to protect you from dust and mites that fly around when the blades start rotating. And if you’re wondering how to clean your ceiling fan, just keep reading.

Tips for cleaning your ceiling fans

Cleaning fans can be challenging, especially cleaning fans without getting dust everywhere. This simple cleaning method is just what you need to get it done. 

1. Turn the ceiling fan off. If possible, turn off the connection to the fan at the circuit breaker.
2. Use a sturdy step ladder to reach the fan easily.
3. Put an old pillowcase over the dusty blade and use it to clean the sides, top, and bottom. This prevents the dust from flying around and keeps it all on the pillowcase. Repeat for every blade, pressing lightly while cleaning to avoid damaging the blades.
4. Take the pillowcase outside the house and give it a good shake to loosen the dust before laundering it. You could also use a vacuum to gather dust in the pillowcase.
5. If dust has gathered inside the fan’s motor housing, you can clean it with compressed air before wiping it with a clean cloth.

PS: To avoid dust build-up on the ceiling fan after cleaning, you can use a dust-repelling spray or make your simple DIY version at home.

In summary…

Your ceiling fan shouldn’t be abandoned throughout the cold months. Cleaning your ceiling fan and using it the right way would help you maximize it all year round. And if you’re ever in need of a thorough house cleaning in Metro Atlanta, we are the ones to call.

Clean Tu Casa is the team to call for any cleaning service in Atlanta. We offer Atlanta residential cleaning services and corporate cleaning services. We provide professional cleaning services in Marietta,  Buckhead, and Brookhaven areas. Whether you want a one-time, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly cleaning, simply reach out to us for your free quote today.