During the high temperatures, running your air conditioning can be your highest monthly electrical charge. So, it’s only natural that you’re checking for ways to save. That may involve using 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 save money. Your air conditioner relies on a fan to deliver the cold air it produces. You adjust this fan at your thermostat by switching it to “auto,” which signifies the fan will only be on when the air conditioner is going. Or you can adjust it to “on,” which indicates it will operate continuously. Does putting your AC on “fan” save energy in Tucson and Phoenix? This isn’t always the case. Generally, operating your air conditioner’s fan constantly is going to drive up your energy bill slightly. But it also has a few advantages (and downsides) in regard to your family’s comfort. Here’s why.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “On”
Having your air conditioner’s fan run all the time can better equalize your family’s comfort. This is ideal if you own a two-story home, since spaces upstairs can be hotter. It’s also ideal if you have problems with uneven cooling on account of hot and cold rooms. It’s also advantageous if one of your family members has allergies, asthma or other respiratory issues. That’s since the air is continuously being distributed and purified. On the other hand, you may have to switch your air filters more regularly. Having the fan on constantly can also make your energy bills more expensive. It could also make the fan wear out prematurely and need air conditioning repair. Your house may also appear more moist. Air conditioning helps control humidity by clearing moisture from the air. But if the fan is constantly on, it’s harder for moisture to drain from the condenser outdoors.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “Auto”
This is the most energy-efficient setting, since the fan will only operate when your air conditioner does. It’s good if your house always seems the right temperature, regardless of which room you’re in. There are a few disadvantages to using the auto setting. You might run into hot and cold areas in your residence and lower air quality. This is due to the fact air isn’t always moving or being repeatedly filtrated. On the flip side, you’ll need reduced energy and won’t have to switch your air filter as frequently. Both are savings that can tally up throughout the year, so you’ll have to think about what’s ideal for your family. If you’re running into home comfort issues during hot weather, Desert Husky HVAC/R Services 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 energy costs. Many also work with the latest smart home technology, giving you the opportunity to oversee and change home comfort settings while on the go. To hear more about how we can make your house more pleasant, contact us at 520-416-5415 right away.