Reverse the Direction of a Fan Motor

Ceiling fans cost little upfront and even less over the long run, at least relative to power-guzzling air conditioning units. When used intelligently, ceiling fans can provide year-round climate control, cooling rooms in the summer and helping to warm them in the winter. This is due to a ceiling fan's ability to switch directions. When the blades push air downward, the action creates a breezy draft that whisks the sweat off you and cools you. When the blades go in the opposite direction, they push warm air to the corners of the ceiling and down the walls to the floor. Reversing the fan's motor is as simple as flipping a switch. 

Place a chair, a stepladder or a stool beneath the fan. Climb onto it to better access the fan.

Look for the motor's switch. This switch is different from the cords you pull to adjust the fan's strength. Most often, it is located on the side of the fan motor housing, near the ceiling.

Flip the switch to change its direction.