During the hot weather, operating your air conditioning can be your largest monthly electrical cost. So, it’s normal that you’re looking for approaches to consume less energy. That might include finding an energy-efficient AC setting or even stepping up to an ENERGY STAR®-rated system during air conditioner installation. Switching your air conditioning’s fan setting is a second way you can spend less money. Your air conditioner uses a fan to dispatch the cool air it creates. You adjust this fan at your thermostat by setting it to “auto,” which indicates the fan will only be on when the air conditioner is cooling. Or you can switch it to “on,” which signifies it will work continuously. Does putting your AC on “fan” save energy in Menomonie and western Wisconsin? Not necessarily. Generally, running your air conditioner’s fan all day is going to drive up your energy bill slightly. But it also has a few pluses (and downsides) as far as your family’s comfort. Here’s why.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “On”
Having your air conditioner’s fan go all the time can better stabilize your home’s comfort. This is great if you live in a two-story residence, since rooms upstairs can be warmer. It’s also good if you have issues with inconsistent cooling due to hot and cold spaces. It’s also great if one of your family members has been diagnosed with allergies, asthma or other respiratory symptoms. That’s due to the fact the air is continuously being distributed and filtered. On the other hand, you may have to replace your air filters more frequently. Having the fan on all the time can also make your energy bills more expensive. It could also result in the fan wearing out more quickly and need air conditioning repair. Your home may also feel more moist. Air conditioning helps balance humidity by drawing wetness from the air. But if the fan is continuously on, it’s challenging for moisture to drain from the condenser outside.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “Auto”
This is the highest energy-efficient setting, as the fan will only work when your air conditioner does. It’s great if your residence always seems comfy, regardless of which area you’re in. There are a few drawbacks to using the auto setting. You might experience hot and cold areas in your residence and decreased air quality. This is since air isn’t continuously being distributed or being constantly filtered. That said, you’ll use reduced energy and won’t have to replace your air filter as regularly. Both are savings that can build up during the year, so you’ll have to think over what’s ideal for your family. If you’re having home comfort problems during hot weather, Halverson Brothers Inc can assist you. We have a large range of energy-efficient air conditioners that can keep your residence more pleasant while also helping you save more on electricity costs. Many can be partnered with the latest smart home technology, giving you the opportunity to monitor and change temperature settings while away. To find out more about how we can make your home more comfy, contact us at 715-352-4052 today.
