Florida heat usually refers to the humid, hot temperatures we experience most of the year.
Less common is the heat that is just one click away from your thermostat. Yes, there is a function other than air conditioning.
As temperatures across the state dip into the 30s in some areas and 50 degrees in South Florida, residents are increasingly shifting gears and struggling to stay warm.
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➤ Winter in Florida: What is the best temperature to set the thermostat to save money?
But what about your ceiling fans? Should you turn them off when it’s cold? Does reversing direction really make you feel warmer or is that a myth?
But first…
Most people are comfortable in temperatures between 68 and 72 degrees. According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, you can save energy in the winter by keeping the thermostat closer to 68 degrees while you’re awake.
While you are sleeping or away from home, the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy recommends setting it lower, either manually or with a programmable thermostat. DirectEnergy.com recommends 62 to 66 degrees for those times so that your heater doesn’t come on when it’s not needed.
“You can save as much as 10% per year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back to 7°-10°F from the normal setting for 8 hours a day, the department said on its website.
The World Health Organization recommends keeping indoor temperatures between 64 and 75 degrees for healthy people. But for those who are very young or old or have health problems, the minimum temperature should not drop below 68 degrees, the organization said.
Should you turn off your ceiling fans in cold weather?
Florida Power & Light recommends that you turn off ceiling fans when you are not in a room.
“A fan that runs all the time costs about $7 per month,” the company said.
While you’re at it, check that your ceiling fan is the right size for your room:
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10′ x 10′ or smaller room: 36″ fan
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Rooms larger than 15′ x 20′: two 52″ fans
Does reversing the direction of your ceiling fan help during cold weather?
During the summer (or most of the year in Florida), the direction of your ceiling fan should be counterclockwise to help create downward airflow, which Hunter says creates a direct, cooling breeze.
When it is cold, the fan direction should be clockwise, at low speed.
“This creates an upward airflow that helps move warm air trapped near the ceiling back out and through the room, changing the average temperature in the living space. This is especially useful in rooms with vaulted ceilings,” it said. company on its website.
“Changing the direction of the ceiling fan clockwise allows the blades to push the warm air toward the floor. It also brings the cool air from the floor to the ceiling,” Home Depot says on its website.
“If your ceiling fan runs clockwise, run it on the lowest speed. This will help distribute heat evenly throughout the room and prevent a drafty ‘feeling temperature’. If you turn your ceiling fan clockwise when the temperature drops , you can reduce your energy bill by 15 percent or more.”
Not sure? Home Depot suggested standing under the fan to see which direction the blades spin.
FPL tips for staying warm during a Florida winter
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Heat your home to 68 degrees or cooler with the thermostat fan on automatic. To save even more, lower the thermostat to 65 degrees or lower at bedtime or when you’re not home.
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Clean or replace your air conditioner filter every month to reduce your heating costs and keep your unit running more efficiently.
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Seal doors and windows with weather stripping or caulk.
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Keep your south-facing windows clean. Open the curtains on south-facing windows during the day and close all curtains at night.
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People tend to shower longer in colder weather, which increases the cost of heating water. So try to keep it short and remember to use a low-flow shower head.
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Most water heaters are set at 140 degrees, but at 115 to 120 degrees you will still have plenty of hot water.
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Insulate the hot water pipes and, if your water heater is more than seven years old, consider a “wrap” to insulate the tank.
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Adding insulation to your home can reduce your heating and cooling costs.
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If your home qualifies, FPL may be able to help with some of the costs.
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Keep leaves, shrubs and debris at least 50cm away from your outdoor unit to avoid blocking airflow.
Using a space heater? Here’s how to stay safe
The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends the following for the safe use of electric heaters:
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Never use a heater that you suspect is damaged. Before use, inspect the heater, cord and plug for damage. Visit www.cpsc.gov or www.SaferProducts.gov to see if your electric heater has been recalled.
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Never leave the heating running unattended or while you are sleeping.
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Keep flammable materials such as beds, sofas, curtains, papers and clothing at least 100 meters away from the front, sides and back of the stove.
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Make sure that the plug of the heater fits properly into the socket. If not, do not use the wall socket to power the heater.
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During use, regularly check whether the plug or cord of the heater, the socket or the front panel is hot. If the plug, socket or faceplate is hot, turn off the heater and have a qualified electrician check and/or replace the plug or defective socket. (S). If the cord is hot, disconnect the heater and have it inspected/repaired by an authorized repairer.
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Never power the heater with an extension cord or power strip.
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Place the heater on a stable, flat surface and in a place where it cannot fall over.
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Make sure the heater has a safety certificate.
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Never run the heater cord under carpets or carpeting.
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To avoid electric shock and electrocution, always keep electric heaters away from water and do not touch an electric heater when you are wet.
This article originally appeared in the Florida Times-Union: Ceiling fan direction: Switch clockwise in winter
