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

July 16, 2020

During the high temperatures, running your air conditioning can be your highest monthly electrical charge. So, it’s given that you’re checking for approaches to use less energy. That can include trying an energy-efficient AC setting or even upgrading to an ENERGY STAR®-rated system through air conditioner installation.

Adjusting your air conditioning’s fan setting is a second way you can spend less money.

Your air conditioner relies on a fan to dispatch the cool air it makes. You manage this fan at your thermostat by setting it to “auto,” which means the fan will only be on when the air conditioner is working. Or you can adjust it to “on,” which signifies it will work constantly.

Does putting your AC on “fan” save energy in Tomball? This isn’t always the case. Usually, running your air conditioner’s fan constantly is going to make your energy bill slightly higher.

But it also gives a few perks (and disadvantages) in regard to your family’s comfort. Here’s why.

Air Conditioner Fan Set to “On”

Having your air conditioner’s fan go continuously can better stabilize your home’s comfort. This is ideal if you live in a two-story house, since spaces upstairs can be warmer. It’s also ideal if you struggle with inconsistent cooling on account of hot and cold areas.

It’s also beneficial if one of your family members has allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems. That’s because the air is consistently being circulated and purified. On the flip side, you may have to change your air filters more often.

Having the fan on all the time can also increase your energy bills. It could also cause the fan to wear out faster and need air conditioning repair.

Your home may also seem more humid. Air conditioning helps control humidity by drawing wetness from the air. But if the fan is always going, it’s challenging for moisture to drip from the condenser outdoors.

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 area you’re in.

There are a few drawbacks to using the auto setting. You might experience hot and cold locations in your residence and reduced air quality. This is because air isn’t continuously moving or being repeatedly filtered.

On the other hand, you’ll consume reduced energy and won’t have to get a new air filter as frequently. Both are savings that can build up during the year, so you’ll have to think about what’s ideal for your household.

If you’re running into home comfort issues during hot weather, Premium Air Services LLC can help. We install a substantial range of energy-efficient air conditioners that can keep your house more pleasant while also helping you save more on cooling bills. Many also work with the latest smart home technology, allowing you to oversee and adjust home comfort settings while on the go.

To discover more about how we can make your house more comfortable, contact us at 713-364-9957 today.