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

July 16, 2020

During the hot weather, using your air conditioning can be your highest monthly utility charge. So, it’s normal that you’re looking for ways to consume less energy. That could involve using an energy-efficient AC setting or even upgrading to an ENERGY STAR®-rated model with air conditioner installation.

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

Your air conditioner uses a fan to dispatch the cool air it produces. You control this fan at your thermostat by changing it to “auto,” which signifies the fan will only be on when the air conditioner is running. Or you can switch it to “on,” which means it will work constantly.

Does putting your AC on “fan” save energy in Branchville? This isn’t always the case. 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 advantages (and downsides) in relation to your family’s comfort. Here’s why.

Air Conditioner Fan Set to “On”

Having your air conditioner’s fan operate continuously can better balance your home’s comfort. This is good if you have a two-story home, since spaces upstairs can be hotter. It’s also ideal if you struggle with unbalanced cooling due to hot and cold rooms.

It’s also good if one of your loved ones deals with allergies, asthma or other respiratory illnesses. That’s because the air is consistently being circulated and filtered. On the flip side, you may have to change your air filters more frequently.

Having the fan on all the time can also make your energy bills more expensive. It could also result in the fan wearing out prematurely and need air conditioning repair.

Your house may also feel more moist. Air conditioning helps control humidity by drawing moisture from the air. But if the fan is continually running, it’s more difficult for moisture to drip from the condenser outside.

Air Conditioner Fan Set to “Auto”

This is the highest energy-efficient setting, as the fan will only work when your air conditioner does. It’s great if your residence always feels the right temperature, regardless of which spot you’re in.

There are a few drawbacks to using the auto setting. You may have hot and cold areas in your residence and decreased air quality. This is since air isn’t always moving or being continuously filtered.

On the flip side, you’ll use less energy and won’t be required to switch you air filter as often. Both are savings that can build up over the year, so you’ll have to think about what’s right for your needs.

If you’re having home comfort difficulties during the summer, Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc. can help. We have a large range of energy-efficient air conditioners that can keep your house more pleasant while also helping you save more on electrical bills. Many can be partnered with the latest smart home technology, allowing you to check and regulate temperature settings while you’re gone.

To discover more about how we can make your family more comfy, contact us at 862-345-6896 now.