HELOISE Change direction of ceiling fans with the seasons

Dear Heloise: I can't remember which direction ceiling fans should be turning for the different seasons. Help! A reader, via e-mail
Ceiling fans typically come with two different settings: forward and reverse. This switch can usually be found on the motor housing of the fan. So, in the summer, fans should go forward so that they blow air down onto the room to cool it. To check if you have chosen the correct setting, stand under the fan, and you should feel airflow. In the winter, the fan should be reversed so that warm air that is rising to the ceiling is dispersed by the fan.
We decided to check here at Heloise Central to see how many fans each "magpie" has and if they change the direction of the fans with the seasons.
URuth says that she doesn't change the direction because it's always hot here in South Texas, and she has a fan in just about every room in her house.
UJoyce says she doesn't change the direction and has a fan in every room.
UKathy says she does change the direction with the seasons and has fans in each room.
UPinkie says that she has one fan and changes the direction, too.
UI have several and don't change, either.
So, I think that, depending on where you live, you might or might not change the fan direction, but it does save energy to use ceiling fans in the summer and in the winter. Heloise
Dear Heloise: Not long ago it was my brother's turn to clean out the microwave. With two kids, my brother, a roommate and myself, it gets pretty messy! My brother was dreading the chore. I told him to put a container of water in the microwave and nuke it for 30 seconds, and then the crud would wipe right up! My brother was astounded, and water is cheaper than those new microwave cleaners that you buy at the store. Donna Davis, Oakton, Va.
Donna, this does work, but please keep in mind that you must let the water cool in the microwave for at least 15 minutes before opening the door. Although the water might not look hot, it is! There have been cases where a container of water or other liquid was removed from the microwave, a utensil (like a spoon) was put in the water, and the hot liquid exploded and burned the skin! So, please be careful and let the water cool! Heloise
XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.
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