During the high temperatures, operating your air conditioning can be your largest monthly electricity cost. So, it’s normal that you’re looking for ways to save. That could entail using an energy-efficient AC setting or even stepping up to an ENERGY STAR®-rated unit during air conditioner installation. Changing your air conditioning’s fan setting is a second way you can spend less money. Your air conditioner relies on a fan to deliver the chilled air it makes. You adjust this fan at your thermostat by setting it to “auto,” which signifies the fan will only run when the air conditioner is going. Or you can set it to “on,” which signifies it will be on all the time. Does putting your AC on “fan” save energy in Elk River? Not always. Generally, operating your air conditioner’s fan all the time is going to drive up your energy bill slightly. But it also has a few pluses (and drawbacks) in relation to your home’s comfort. Here’s why.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “On”
Having your air conditioner’s fan operate all the time can better stabilize your family’s comfort. This is ideal if you own a two-story residence, since spaces upstairs can be hotter. It’s also good if you have issues with uneven cooling because of hot and cold rooms. It’s also good if someone in your household has allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems. That’s because the air is consistently being dispersed and filtrated. However, you may have to put in new air filters more regularly. Having the fan on all day can also make your energy bills more expensive. It could also result in the fan wearing out more quickly and need air conditioning repair. Your house may also feel more humid. Air conditioning helps balance humidity by extracting wetness from the air. But if the fan is continually on, it’s harder for moisture to drain from the condenser externally.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “Auto”
This is the highest energy-efficient setting, as the fan will only operate when your air conditioner does. It’s ideal if your house always seems the right temperature, regardless of which room you’re in. There are a few downsides to using the auto setting. You may have hot and cold areas in your house and lower air quality. This is because air isn’t always being distributed or being constantly filtered. That said, you’ll consume a lower amount of energy and won’t need to switch your air filter as frequently. Both are savings that can build up during the year, so you’ll have to consider what’s right for your home. If you’re having home comfort difficulties during hot weather, Home Comfort Heating & Air can support you. We offer a wide range of energy-efficient air conditioners that can keep your residence more pleasant while also helping you save more on electricity bills. Many can be partnered with the latest smart home technology, giving you the opportunity to monitor and change home comfort settings while on the go. To discover more about how we can make your home more pleasant, contact us at 763-276-0617 today.
