During the summer, using your air conditioning can be your highest monthly utility cost. So, it’s normal that you’re checking for approaches to save. That can entail trying an energy-efficient AC setting or even making the switch to an ENERGY STAR®-rated model during air conditioner installation. Changing your air conditioning’s fan setting is a second way you can spend less money. Your air conditioner uses a fan to distribute the chilled air it makes. You manage this fan at your thermostat by setting it to “auto,” which indicates the fan will only run when the air conditioner is working. Or you can set it to “on,” which indicates it will run all the time. Does putting your AC on “fan” save energy in Ellsworth? Not necessarily. Usually, running your air conditioner’s fan constantly is going to drive up your energy bill slightly. But it also has a few perks (and downsides) in regard to your residence’s comfort. Here’s why.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “On”
Having your air conditioner’s fan go all the time can better balance your home’s comfort. This is great if you live in a two-story home, since areas upstairs can be hotter. It’s also ideal if you have issues with inconsistent cooling because of hot and cold spaces. It’s also good if one of your family members suffers from allergies, asthma or other respiratory illnesses. That’s because the air is consistently being circulated and purified. However, you may have to replace your air filters more regularly. Having the fan on all the time can also make your energy bills more expensive. It could also cause the fan to wear out faster and need air conditioning repair. Your home may also seem more moist. Air conditioning helps manage humidity by drawing water from the air. But if the fan is continually going, it’s challenging for moisture to flow from the condenser outdoors.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “Auto”
This is the highest energy-efficient setting, because the fan will only work when your air conditioner does. It’s great if your home always feels comfy, regardless of which area you’re in. There are a few disadvantages to using the auto setting. You could experience hot and cold spots in your residence and lower air quality. This is due to the fact air isn’t always moving or being continuously filtered. That said, you’ll use reduced energy and won’t have to replace your air filter as frequently. Both are savings that can add up throughout the year, so you’ll have to think about what’s right for your needs. If you’re experiencing home comfort problems during hot weather, Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC can support you. We offer a large range of energy-efficient air conditioners that can keep your house more pleasant while also helping you save more on electrical bills. Many can be partnered with the latest smart home technology, giving you the opportunity to check and change home comfort settings while you’re gone. To learn more about how we can make your residence more pleasant, contact us at 715-318-6728 today.
