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

July 16, 2020

During the hot weather, operating your air conditioning can be your biggest monthly electricity cost. So, it’s given that you’re looking for approaches to save. That may involve using an energy-efficient AC setting or even making the switch to an ENERGY STAR®-rated model through air conditioner installation.

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

Your air conditioner relies on a fan to distribute the cool air it produces. You manage this fan at your thermostat by changing it to “auto,” which indicates the fan will only work when the air conditioner is working. Or you can adjust it to “on,” which means it will be on continuously.

Does putting your AC on “fan” save energy in Moline? This isn’t always the case. Usually, 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 drawbacks) as far as your residence’s comfort. Here’s why.

Air Conditioner Fan Set to “On”

Having your air conditioner’s fan operate all the time can better balance your house’s comfort. This is ideal if you live in a two-story home, since areas upstairs can be more hot. It’s also great if you have issues with uneven cooling on account of hot and cold areas.

It’s also great if someone in your household has allergies, asthma or other respiratory issues. That’s because the air is consistently being distributed and filtered. On the other hand, you may have to install new air filters more frequently.

Having the fan on constantly can also increase your energy bills. It could also make the fan wear out more quickly and need air conditioning repair.

Your house may also seem more moist. Air conditioning helps control humidity by extracting wetness from the air. But if the fan is continuously working, it’s harder for moisture to drain from the condenser outdoors.

Air Conditioner Fan Set to “Auto”

This is the highest energy-efficient setting, as the fan will only operate when your air conditioner does. It’s ideal if your house always appears the right temperature, whichever area you’re in.

There are a few disadvantages to using the auto setting. You might experience hot and cold spots in your house and lower air quality. This is because air isn’t constantly being distributed or being repeatedly filtered.

That said, you’ll consume less energy and won’t be required to get a new air filter as frequently. Both are savings that can build up during the year, so you’ll have to consider what’s right for your family.

If you’re running into home comfort difficulties during hot weather, J.L. Brady Company LLC can assist you. We install a large range of energy-efficient air conditioners that can keep your house more pleasant while also helping you save more on electricity expenses. Many are also compatible with the latest smart home technology, giving you the opportunity to check and adjust temp settings while away.

To learn more about how we can make your house more comfortable, contact us at 309-517-7511 today.