When the weather is cooling off, you may be wondering about how you’ll make the most of your heating and cooling. After all, HVAC bills can add up to a large piece of your monthly electric bill. To figure out new ways to lower their HVAC bill, some owners take a closer look at their thermostat. Could there be a setting they should use to boost efficiency?
The majority of thermostats come with a ‘Fan’ or ‘Fan On’ setting. But if the fan is on during a regular cycle, what does the fan setting provide for your HVAC system? This guide will help. We’ll walk through precisely what the fan setting is and how you can use it to cut costs in the summer or winter.
What Is the Fan Setting on My Thermostat?
For the bulk of thermostats, the fan setting means that the HVAC blower fan stays on. A few furnaces will generate heat at a low level in this setting, but in general heating or cooling isn’t being generated. The ‘Auto’ setting, conversely, will turn on the fan over a heating or cooling cycle and shut it off after the cycle is over.
There are pros and cons to trying the fan setting on your thermostat, and the ideal option {will|can|should]] depend on your personal comfort requirements.
Advantages to trying the Fan/On setting:
- You can keep the temperature in every room more consistent by permitting the fan to keep generating airflow.
- Indoor air quality can increase as constant airflow will keep passing airborne contaminants through the air filter.
- A smaller amount of start-stop cycles for the blower fan helps extend its life span. Because the air handler is often connected to the furnace, this means you could prevent the need for furnace repair.
Drawbacks to utilizing the Fan/On setting:
- A nonstop fan will likely add to your energy expenses slightly.
- Continuous airflow may clog your air filter up more quickly, increasing the frequency you should replace it.
Should My Thermostat Be on Fan or Auto in Summer/Winter
During the summer, warm air will sometimes persist in unfinished spaces like the attic or an attached garage. If you use the fan setting, your HVAC system may gradually move this warm air into the rest of your home, pushing the HVAC system to run longer to preserve the preferred temperature. In extreme heat, this may result in needing AC repair more quickly as wear and tear grows.
The opposite can occur in the winter. Cooler spaces such as a basement will hold onto cooler air, which can eventually drift into the rest of your home. Leaving the fan setting on may draw more cold air upward, increasing the amount of heating you need to remain warm.
If you’re still trying to determine if you should use the fan/on setting, don’t forget that every home and family’s comfort needs are different. Leaving the HVAC system’s fan on could work for you if:
Someone in your household has allergies. Allergies and other respiratory conditions can be tough on the family. Leaving the fan on is more likely to improve indoor air quality, helping your family breathe easier.
Your home experiences hot and cold spots. Many homes deal with stubborn hot and cold spots that quickly return to a temperature different from the rest of the house. The fan setting should help minimize these changes by constantly refreshing each room’s airflow.