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

July 16, 2020

During the high temperatures, using your air conditioning can be your highest monthly utility cost. So, it’s normal that you’re seeking approaches to use less energy. That might involve trying an energy-efficient AC setting or even stepping up to an ENERGY STAR®-rated system with air conditioner installation.

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

Your air conditioner uses a fan to deliver the chilled air it creates. You control this fan at your thermostat by switching it to “auto,” which means the fan will only be on when the air conditioner is operating. Or you can adjust it to “on,” which signifies it will run all the time.

Does putting your AC on “fan” save energy in Hodgenville? Not necessarily. Generally, running your air conditioner’s fan all the time is going to drive up your energy bill slightly.

But it also offers a few advantages (and downsides) as far as 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 have a two-story home, since areas upstairs can be warmer. It’s also ideal if you struggle with uneven cooling because of hot and cold areas.

It’s also great if someone in your household suffers from allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems. That’s due to the fact the air is consistently being dispersed and filtrated. On the flip side, you may have to put in new air filters more frequently.

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 home may also feel muggier. Air conditioning helps balance humidity by removing moisture from the air. But if the fan is constantly on, it’s challenging for moisture to drip from the condenser outside.

Air Conditioner Fan Set to “Auto”

This is the highest energy-efficient setting, because the fan will only go when your air conditioner does. It’s ideal if your house always appears comfortable, whichever room you’re in.

There are a few drawbacks to using the auto setting. You could have hot and cold spots in your home and decreased air quality. This is since air isn’t continuously being distributed or being repeatedly purified.

On the other hand, you’ll consume reduced energy and won’t be required to replace your air filter as regularly. Both are savings that can tally up over the year, so you’ll have to consider what’s ideal for your family.

If you’re running into home comfort problems during the summer, Phelps Heating & Cooling can help. We install a wide range of energy-efficient air conditioners that can keep your home more pleasant while also helping you save more on electrical costs. Many are also compatible with the latest smart home technology, allowing you to oversee and regulate temperature settings while away.

To discover more about how we can make your residence more pleasant, contact us at 270-358-3167 today.