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

July 16, 2020

During the high temperatures, operating your air conditioning can be your biggest monthly electrical expense. So, it’s normal that you’re seeking methods to use less energy. That may involve finding an energy-efficient AC setting or even upgrading to an ENERGY STAR®-rated model during air conditioner installation.

Switching your air conditioning’s fan setting is a second way you can conserve money.

Your air conditioner uses a fan to dispatch the cool air it makes. You adjust this fan at your thermostat by switching it to “auto,” which indicates the fan will only work when the air conditioner is operating. Or you can switch it to “on,” which means it will run continuously.

Does putting your AC on “fan” save energy in Port St. Lucie? This isn’t always the case. Usually, 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 disadvantages) in relation to your family’s comfort. Here’s why.

Air Conditioner Fan Set to “On”

Having your air conditioner’s fan operate all day can better equalize your house’s comfort. This is good if you live in a two-story residence, since spaces upstairs can be hotter. It’s also ideal if you have problems with unbalanced cooling because of hot and cold spots.

It’s also beneficial if one of your family members has been diagnosed with allergies, asthma or other respiratory illnesses. That’s due to the fact the air is consistently being distributed and purified. On the flip side, you may have to change your air filters more regularly.

Having the fan on constantly can also increase your energy bills. It could also make the fan wear out faster and need air conditioning repair.

Your house may also feel more moist. Air conditioning helps manage humidity by extracting wetness from the air. But if the fan is constantly going, it’s harder for moisture to flow from the condenser outside.

Air Conditioner Fan Set to “Auto”

This is the highest energy-efficient setting, because the fan will only run when your air conditioner does. It’s ideal if your house always feels the right temperature, no matter what spot you’re in.

There are a few drawbacks to using the auto setting. You could experience hot and cold areas in your residence and lower air quality. This is due to the fact air isn’t always being distributed or being constantly filtrated.

On the flip side, you’ll consume reduced energy and won’t need to change your air filter as frequently. Both are savings that can build up during the year, so you’ll have to consider what’s ideal for your family.

If you’re having home comfort difficulties during warm weather, Custom Air Systems Inc can assist you. We offer a substantial range of energy-efficient air conditioners that can keep your house more pleasant while also helping you save more on electricity costs. Many also work with the latest smart home technology, giving you the opportunity to oversee and adjust temperature settings while you’re gone.

To learn more about how we can make your house more pleasant, contact us at 772-247-2283 now.