Did you know your ceiling fan can actually warm you up in the winter?
By reversing the direction the fan rotates (or on some fans, reversing the angle of the blades), you recirculate the warm air that would normally rise up to the top of the room and stay there. So, while the fan should blow air down on you to cool you in the summer (using the “wind chill effect”, which helps evaporate sweat off your skin), have it draw the air up to circulate through the room in the winter.
While you’re at it, here are a few more things you can do to keep your fan working well through the winter (and all year long.)
Clean off the blades to avoid dust recirculating with the air.
Look for an oil hole in the top of the motor housing. If you find one, a few drops of light machine oil will keep it running smoothly.
Clean off the housing, paying particular attention to the vents. If these clog up the motor may overheat.
Fans cost little to operate, and at the same time, they can help you heat your rooms more efficiently. Run the fan when the room’s in use, and shut it off when it’s not.