Should Your Window Fan Face In or Out?

On February 25, 2026  By newsroom   Topic: Appliance Buyers Guide

Fan Positioning Basics
- Outward-facing fans: Place on the warmer side of the home to blow hot air out.
- Inward-facing fans: Use on the cooler side of the home to draw in cool air.
- Multilevel homes:
- Upper floors (warmer): Use fans blowing outward to remove trapped warm air.
- Lower/shaded floors: Use fans inward to pull in cooler air.

Best Time to Use Window Fans
- When outdoor air is cooler than indoor air.
- Avoid using fans during the hottest parts of the day; instead, close windows and shades to keep heat out.

Ceiling Fan Tips
- In summer, fans should spin counterclockwise to create a downward breeze.
- Use with air conditioning to raise the thermostat setting by 4°F and save on energy costs.
- Turn off ceiling fans when leaving a room to conserve energy.

Heat Wave Warning
- Fans are ineffective when indoor temperatures exceed 95°F.
- Stay in air-conditioned spaces during extreme heat (10 a.m.–5 p.m.).

Energy and Money-Saving Tips
- Block sunlight: Use shades or curtains to prevent heat buildup.
- Seal leaks: Insulate gaps around windows and doors.
- Adjust AC temperature: Raise the thermostat slightly for lower utility bills (each degree saves ~3%).

By strategically placing fans and managing airflow, you can stay cool while saving energy!


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