Understanding the Science

What is Winter Mode on a ceiling fan?

Winter Mode is a reverse setting that makes the fan blades spin clockwise at a low speed. Instead of creating a cooling breeze, it gently pushes the warm air trapped near your ceiling back down into the room. That means you get more out of your heater without cranking it higher.

Why does warm air rise in winter?

In winter, the warm air produced by your heater naturally rises to the ceiling because it’s less dense than cooler air. This creates a layer of warmth above your head, leaving the lower part of the room cooler.

How does a ceiling fan move warm air?

When Winter Mode is activated, the motor reverses it’s rotation direction so the blades spin clockwise instead of counterclockwise. This creates a gentle upward draft that pulls warm air away from the ceiling, pushes it to the walls, and directs it back down to the lower parts of the room.

What does this mean for room comfort?

By pushing warm air down the walls, your fan spreads heat more evenly throughout the whole room, The result is fewer cold spots, a more consistent temperature, and a cosier room overall.

How to Use Winter Mode

How do I activate Winter Mode on my Claro Fan?

DC Fans can activate the Winter Mode function with the remote. It is notated with the ‘Forward/Reverse’ button ( F/R ) or with the arrow icon (  ).
AC Fans can activate Winter Mode via the switch on the motor housing. If you’re ever unsure about your fan, check the manual or product page.

Can all ceiling fans be used in Winter Mode?

All Claro fans include a Winter Mode function. Activate it, and the motor will change rotation direction so the blades start turning clockwise. Not every brand offers this feature, particularly with many older AC models, so it’s worth checking before you buy. With Claro, it’s built in — making every fan a year-round comfort tool.

When should I switch my ceiling fan to Winter Mode?

Turn on Winter Mode once you start running your heater regularly. It works best in living rooms, bedrooms, and open-plan spaces where warm air naturally rises and leaves the lower part of the room cooler.

Getting the most out of Winter Mode

5 Tips for using winter mode effectively: 

Knowing how Winter Mode works is one thing — using it effectively is is another. These best-practice tips are here to help you stay comfortable and save money all winter long, and following these simple pointers can make a big difference to your comfort and energy savings. 

How does using Winter Mode save on heating costs?

By redistributing warm air, your heater doesn’t have to work as hard to keep the room at a comfortable temperature. That translates to less energy use — and more savings on your bills. Even small efficiency gains add up across the cooler months.

Do I still need my heater if I use Winter Mode?

Yes. Winter Mode works alongside your heater, not instead of it. By reversing the motor, your fan gently circulates the warm air your heater (or fireplace) produces back down into the room. This means you stay comfortable at lower heater settings, saving energy without sacrificing warmth.

Can you use Winter Mode on ceiling fans with lights?

Yes. Winter Mode works independently of the light, so you can run the fan in reverse while still using the light as normal. This makes ceiling fans with lights just as effective for year-round comfort.

Can Winter Mode be used with low profile ceiling fans?

Yes. Low profile fans work effectively in Winter Mode, especially in rooms with standard or lower ceilings. Because the blades sit closer to the ceiling, the fan can quickly recirculate the warm air that collects above, pushing it back into the living space for more consistent comfort.

Does Winter Mode make the room feel draughty?

No. In Winter Mode, the fan still has the same speed settings as Summer Mode — the difference is the motor direction. When the blades spin clockwise, they redistribute warm air instead of creating a cooling breeze. On higher speeds you may notice some airflow, but it’s much gentler than in Summer Mode. For most homes, lower speeds provide quiet, passive circulation, though higher speeds can help if heat is pooling at the ceiling.

Is Winter Mode safe to use overnight?

Absolutely.

Winter Mode is just as safe as Summer Mode. Every Claro fan is engineered and tested to meet strict Australian Safety and Electrical Standards, so you can confidently leave it running overnight or continuously through the colder months.

What if my fan doesn’t have a Winter Mode switch?

Not all ceiling fans include a reverse function — especially older or non-Claro models. If your fan doesn’t have a Winter Mode switch on the motor housing or a reverse button on the remote, it can’t run in reverse. All Claro fans come with Winter Mode built in, so upgrading to a newer Claro DC model is the simplest way to enjoy year-round comfort.

Can Winter Mode help with high ceilings?

Yes. If your fan is sized correctly for the room, Winter Mode will still push the rising warm air back down into the living space. In taller rooms, it may take longer to feel the effect, and you might need to use a higher speed setting compared to standard ceilings.