During the hot weather, using your air conditioning can be your biggest monthly electrical expense. So, it’s only natural that you’re looking for approaches to use less energy. That may include trying an energy-efficient AC setting or even stepping up to an ENERGY STAR®-rated system through air conditioner installation. Changing your air conditioning’s fan setting is a second way you can save money. Your air conditioner relies on a fan to distribute the cool air it produces. You adjust this fan at your thermostat by setting it to “auto,” which signifies the fan will only be on when the air conditioner is working. Or you can adjust it to “on,” which indicates it will work continuously. Does putting your AC on “fan” save energy in Auburn? Not necessarily. Typically, running your air conditioner’s fan all the time is going to make your energy bill slightly higher. But it also provides a few pluses (and downsides) when it comes to your family’s comfort. Here’s why.

Air Conditioner Fan Set to “On”

Having your air conditioner’s fan operate all the time can better equalize your house’s comfort. This is good if you own a two-story home, since areas upstairs can be more hot. It’s also ideal if you have problems with unbalanced cooling due to hot and cold rooms. It’s also advantageous if one of your family members has been diagnosed with allergies, asthma or other respiratory issues. That’s because the air is consistently being circulated and filtered. On the other hand, you may have to replace your air filters more frequently. Having the fan on all day can also drive up your energy bills. It could also make the fan wear out more quickly and need air conditioning repair. Your residence may also appear muggier. Air conditioning helps balance humidity by drawing water from the air. But if the fan is continually on, it’s more difficult for moisture to drip from the condenser externally.

Air Conditioner Fan Set to “Auto”

This is the most energy-efficient setting, as the fan will only operate when your air conditioner does. It’s great if your residence always seems comfy, whichever area you’re in. There are a few downsides to using the auto setting. You might experience hot and cold locations in your residence and lower air quality. This is due to the fact air isn’t constantly moving or being constantly purified. On the flip side, you’ll need reduced energy and won’t need to switch your air filter as regularly. Both are savings that can tally up over the year, so you’ll have to think over what’s ideal for your household. If you’re having home comfort issues during warm weather, Forster Heating can support you. We sell a substantial range of energy-efficient air conditioners that can keep your house comfier while also helping you save more on energy costs. Many can be partnered with the latest smart home technology, giving you the ability to oversee and regulate home comfort settings while away. To learn more about how we can make your residence more comfortable, contact us at 530-885-8081 today.