Which Uses Less Energy? AC Fan On or in Auto?

July 16, 2020

During the hot weather, running your air conditioning can be your largest monthly electrical expense. So, it’s given that you’re looking for ways to consume less energy. That may entail using an energy-efficient AC setting or even stepping up to an ENERGY STAR®-rated system during air conditioner installation.

Changing your air conditioning’s fan setting is another way you can spend less money.

Your air conditioner works with a fan to dispatch the cool air it produces. You control this fan at your thermostat by switching it to “auto,” which indicates the fan will only work when the air conditioner is working. Or you can switch it to “on,” which signifies it will run constantly.

Does putting your AC on “fan” save energy in Erie? This isn’t always the case. Usually, using your air conditioner’s fan constantly is going to increase your energy bill slightly.

But it also has a few perks (and downsides) when it comes to your family’s comfort. Here’s why.

Air Conditioner Fan Set to “On”

Having your air conditioner’s fan go continuously can better equalize your house’s comfort. This is ideal if you live in a two-story home, since rooms upstairs can be more hot. It’s also great if you have difficulties with uneven cooling because of hot and cold rooms.

It’s also advantageous if one of your family members has been diagnosed with allergies, asthma or other respiratory illnesses. That’s because the air is continuously being distributed and purified. On the other hand, you may have to install new air filters more regularly.

Having the fan on all day can also make your energy bills more expensive. It could also cause the fan to wear out more quickly and need air conditioning repair.

Your house may also appear more humid. Air conditioning helps manage humidity by extracting water from the air. But if the fan is constantly working, it’s more difficult for moisture to drain from the condenser externally.

Air Conditioner Fan Set to “Auto”

This is the best energy-efficient setting, since the fan will only work when your air conditioner does. It’s good if your residence always seems comfy, no matter what room you’re in.

There are a few drawbacks to using the auto setting. You could have hot and cold spots in your residence and reduced air quality. This is due to the fact air isn’t continuously flowing or being constantly filtered.

On the flip side, you’ll consume less energy and won’t need to switch you air filter as often. Both are savings that can tally up during the year, so you’ll have to think about what’s right for your family.

If you’re running into home comfort difficulties during the summer, Patterson & Stirling Inc can assist you. We have a substantial range of energy-efficient air conditioners that can keep your house more pleasant while also helping you save more on cooling expenses. Many also work with the latest smart home technology, giving you the opportunity to check and regulate home comfort settings while on the go.

To discover more about how we can make your house more comfy, contact us at 814-308-0416 right away.