During the summer, running your air conditioning can be your biggest monthly utility charge. So, it’s only natural that you’re looking for approaches to consume less energy. That could involve finding an energy-efficient AC setting or even stepping up to an ENERGY STAR®-rated system with air conditioner installation. Changing your air conditioning’s fan setting is an additional way you can spend less money. Your air conditioner uses a fan to dispatch the cool air it creates. You manage this fan at your thermostat by setting it to “auto,” which means the fan will only be on when the air conditioner is cooling. Or you can adjust it to “on,” which signifies it will operate constantly. Does putting your AC on “fan” save energy in Auburn and Opelika? Not necessarily. Generally, operating your air conditioner’s fan constantly is going to drive up your energy bill slightly. But it also offers a few advantages (and disadvantages) when it comes to your residence’s comfort. Here’s why.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “On”
Having your air conditioner’s fan go all day can better equalize your family’s comfort. This is ideal if you live in a two-story house, since areas upstairs can be hotter. It’s also great if you have issues with inconsistent cooling because of hot and cold rooms. It’s also advantageous if one of your family members suffers from allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems. That’s because the air is consistently being dispersed and filtered. However, you may have to switch your air filters more often. Having the fan on constantly can also drive up your energy bills. It could also result in the fan wearing out prematurely and need air conditioning repair. Your house may also appear more humid. Air conditioning helps control humidity by extracting moisture from the air. But if the fan is continually running, it’s more difficult for moisture to flow from the condenser outdoors.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “Auto”
This is the most energy-efficient setting, because the fan will only operate when your air conditioner does. It’s great if your residence always feels the right temperature, regardless of which spot you’re in. There are a few drawbacks to using the auto setting. You might experience hot and cold areas in your home and decreased air quality. This is since air isn’t continuously moving or being constantly filtrated. That said, you’ll require a lower amount of energy and won’t need to switch your air filter as often. Both are savings that can add up during the year, so you’ll have to consider what’s best for your family. If you’re having home comfort difficulties during warm weather, Farnell Mechanical, Inc. can assist you. We have a large range of energy-efficient air conditioners that can keep your house comfier while also helping you save more on energy bills. Many can be partnered with the latest smart home technology, allowing you to check and adjust home comfort settings while you’re gone. To find out more about how we can make your house more comfy, contact us at 334-524-2458 right away.