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

July 16, 2020

During the high temperatures, using your air conditioning can be your largest monthly utility expense. So, it’s only natural that you’re seeking ways to save. That can involve finding an energy-efficient AC setting or even making the switch to an ENERGY STAR®-rated unit through air conditioner installation.

Modifying your air conditioning’s fan setting is a second way you can save money.

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

Does putting your AC on “fan” save energy in Franklin Lakes? Not necessarily. Usually, running your air conditioner’s fan constantly is going to increase your energy bill slightly.

But it also has a few perks (and disadvantages) as far as your home’s comfort. Here’s why.

Air Conditioner Fan Set to “On”

Having your air conditioner’s fan run all day can better equalize your home’s comfort. This is good if you have a two-story residence, since spaces upstairs can be more hot. It’s also great if you have issues with unbalanced cooling because of hot and cold rooms.

It’s also great if one of your loved ones suffers from allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems. That’s since the air is consistently being distributed and filtered. On the other hand, you may have to change your air filters more often.

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

Your house may also feel more humid. Air conditioning helps balance humidity by drawing wetness from the air. But if the fan is always running, it’s challenging for moisture to flow from the condenser outside.

Air Conditioner Fan Set to “Auto”

This is the highest energy-efficient setting, as the fan will only run when your air conditioner does. It’s great if your house always feels comfy, whichever room you’re in.

There are a few downsides to using the auto setting. You might run into hot and cold areas in your home and reduced air quality. This is since air isn’t continuously being distributed or being continuously purified.

That said, you’ll require a lower amount of energy and won’t need to replace your air filter as regularly. Both are savings that can build up during the year, so you’ll have to think about what’s right for your family.

If you’re having home comfort issues during hot weather, Total Comfort can assist you. 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 costs. Many also work with the latest smart home technology, allowing you to oversee and regulate temp settings while you’re gone.

To discover more about how we can make your residence more comfy, contact us at 201-268-5663 right away.