Choosing the Right Ceiling Fan for Queensland Homes During Winter

Tips for Residents Brisbane North to Hervey Bay.

When you think of ceiling fans, you might picture hot summer days and cool breezes — but here’s a secret many Queenslanders miss: ceiling fans are just as useful in winter. Yes residents in places like the Brisbane Northern suburbs, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, and right up to Hervey Bay, many are using the right ceiling fans the right way during winter and keeping their homes warmer and their power bills lower.

Let’s explore how to choose the best fan for winter use — plus a few tips that’ll help you get the most comfort out of it during the cooler months.

Why Use a Ceiling Fan in Winter?

It’s all about air circulation. During winter, warm air rises and stays near the ceiling — exactly where you don’t need it. Many ceiling fans have a reverse switch (also known as winter mode), which rotates the blades clockwise at a low speed, gently pushing warm air back down into the room.

This means:

• Your heater doesn’t have to work as hard

• The room feels warmer more evenly

• You save on energy costs

Not bad for a simple flip of a switch!

Know Your Winter Climate Zone in Queensland

Queensland winters vary widely depending on where you live:

• Brisbane North stays relatively mild but can dip to single digits at night.
  

• The Sunshine Coast Hinterland often gets colder, especially in the early morning.
  

• Hervey Bay & Wide Bay Burnett have cooler evenings and windy conditions in June–July.
  
  

Understanding your local conditions helps determine the fan size, material, and settings you’ll need.
 👉 Check Energy and Climate Queensland Government’s seasonal weather map here (via Energy Queensland).

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Choose a Fan With a Reverse Winter Mode

If your fan doesn’t have a reverse switch, you’re missing out. Look for models that have a winter setting, either on the motor housing or remote control. 

These are perfect for:

• Living rooms with high ceilings

• Bedrooms that get cold overnight

• Open-plan homes where heat gathers up top

Pro tip: If you already have a fan installed, it may already support reverse mode — check your fan manual or remote for a direction switch.

Sizing & Placement for Winter Efficiency

Here’s a quick guide:

Mount the fan centrally in the room, with blades at least 2.1 metres from the floor, and 30cm from the ceiling for best airflow.

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Quiet DC Motors Are a Must in Winter

You’ll want a fan that runs quietly, especially in the bedroom or nursery. 

Choose a DC motor ceiling fan — they’re:

• Energy-efficient (up to 70% less energy than AC fans)
  

• Ultra-quiet

• Perfect for overnight use in cooler months

Best Ceiling Fan Types for Queensland Homes

Here are some winter-smart options available now:

Timber Blades

Timber absorbs less cold and is quieter in operation. Great for bedrooms and living areas.

ABS Plastic Blades

Ideal for coastal areas like Hervey Bay — resistant to moisture and sea air.

Fans with Lights

Combine a central light with your fan for extra warmth and space-saving. Look for warm white LED options.

 Explore our full range of ceiling fans here

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Winter Fan Settings Cheat Sheet

Set your fan to:

• Low speed
  A gentle setting is all you need. Low speed helps move the warm air without creating a chill or breeze. 

• Clockwise rotation (reverse)
  Switch your fan to rotate clockwise during winter — this creates an updraft that gently pushes warm air down from the ceiling without blowing directly on you. 

• Use only while heating is on or during the coldest hours
  Running your fan alongside your heater makes your whole system more efficient. Turn it on in the early morning and evening, when warmth tends to rise and gather overhead — exactly when you need it most.
  

Did you know? This simple change in fan direction can reduce heating costs by 10%–15%, according to energy efficiency experts. It’s one of the easiest and most affordable ways to get more from your existing heating system — especially in Queensland’s milder winters.

Don’t Forget Installation & Safety

Need help with installation? Ask us for a licensed installer referral in Brisbane North, the Sunshine Coast, or Hervey Bay Wide Bay Burnett.
Using a licensed electrician ensures correct fan height, balance, and wiring — all vital for safety and performance.

Where to Buy Ceiling Fans in Queensland This Winter

Our stores have got you covered: 

 

• Warana (Sunshine Coast)     
  

• Morayfield (Brisbane North)
  

• NEW! Hervey Bay — Boat Harbour Drive
  

Come in for expert advice, or shop online with fast local delivery across the 

Brisbane Northern Suburbs, Wide Bay Burnett, Sunshine Coast and Hinterland.

Ready to Upgrade Your Ceiling Fan?

This winter, stay warm the smart way. Whether you live in a Brisbane Queenslander or a Coastal Hervey Bay home, a quality ceiling fan is a year-round investment in comfort and savings.
Visit us in store or online today.