If you’re a homeowner who has never changed the fan setting on your thermostat since it was installed, you’re not alone. Many people don’t know the difference between setting their HVAC fan to “on” or “auto.”
Unfortunately, they may be missing out on a benefit they want by using one setting when they really need another. When you understand the pros and cons of the two options, you can choose the thermostat setting that best suits your needs.
Pros and Cons of the “Auto” Fan Setting
The “auto” fan setting on your HVAC system controls the fan so that it’s only on when the A/C or heater is actually on. Once the air is cooled or heated, the fan goes off. Obviously, this saves energy because the fan doesn’t run all the time.
On the other hand, if the fan isn’t running, air isn’t circulating as much. This can lead to hot or cool spots in your house. It also means that air isn’t being pulled through your UV light air filtration system or your air filter as often as it would be if the fan was always on. While this might save you money on filter replacements, it also means that allergens aren’t being filtered out of your air as often.
Pros and Cons of the “On” Fan Setting
The “on” setting allows the fan to run all the time. The pros and cons of this system are basically the opposite of the “auto” setting. The on setting uses more energy and means you’ll have to change your filter more often.
On the other hand, it pulls your air through the filtration system more, and it keeps your entire home’s temperature more even. As a bonus, the continuous movement of the fan puts less wear on the moving parts than the constant start/stop of the auto setting.
For a third option, look into getting a variable speed fan that runs continuously but varies the speed to save money.
For advice on your thermostat setting and other HVAC concerns in the Yuma area, contact Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company today!
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Yuma, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about thermostat settings and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 928-723-3183.
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