During the summer, operating your air conditioning can be your biggest monthly electrical expense. So, it’s given that you’re seeking methods to save. That might include trying an energy-efficient AC setting or even stepping up to an ENERGY STAR®-rated model during air conditioner installation.
Adjusting your air conditioning’s fan setting is a second way you can spend less money.
Your air conditioner uses a fan to dispatch the cold air it produces. You control this fan at your thermostat by changing it to “auto,” which signifies the fan will only be on when the air conditioner is cooling. Or you can switch it to “on,” which signifies it will run all the time.
Does putting your AC on “fan” save energy in McHenry? Not necessarily. Generally, running your air conditioner’s fan all the time is going to increase your energy bill slightly.
But it also has a few pluses (and drawbacks) in relation to your residence’s comfort. Here’s why.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “On”
Having your air conditioner’s fan operate continuously can better balance your home’s comfort. This is ideal if you own a two-story house, since spaces upstairs can be warmer. It’s also ideal if you struggle with inconsistent cooling because of hot and cold spaces.
It’s also advantageous if someone in your household deals with allergies, asthma or other respiratory illnesses. That’s since the air is continuously being circulated and filtrated. On the flip side, you may have to switch your air filters more often.
Having the fan on all day can also make your energy bills more expensive. It could also cause the fan to wear out more quickly and need air conditioning repair.
Your residence may also appear muggier. Air conditioning helps balance humidity by extracting moisture from the air. But if the fan is always running, it’s challenging for moisture to drip from the condenser outdoors.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “Auto”
This is the most energy-efficient setting, since the fan will only go when your air conditioner does. It’s great if your home always seems comfortable, regardless of which room you’re in.
There are a few drawbacks to using the auto setting. You may run into hot and cold locations in your home and reduced air quality. This is because air isn’t always moving or being constantly filtered.
On the flip side, you’ll need less energy and won’t be required to get a new air filter as often. Both are savings that can build up throughout the year, so you’ll have to think about what’s ideal for your family.
If you’re having home comfort difficulties during the summer, Jett's Heating & Air Inc. can assist you. We install a large range of energy-efficient air conditioners that can keep your residence comfortable while also helping you save more on cooling costs. Many can be partnered with the latest smart home technology, giving you the opportunity to check and adjust home comfort settings while you’re gone.
To discover more about how we can make your family more pleasant, contact us at 815-410-1128 now.