Which Uses Less Energy? AC Fan On or in Auto?

July 16, 2020

During the summer, operating your air conditioning can be your highest monthly electricity charge. So, it’s normal that you’re seeking ways to consume less energy. That could involve trying an energy-efficient AC setting or even upgrading to an ENERGY STAR®-rated model with air conditioner installation.

Regulating your air conditioning’s fan setting is another way you can conserve money.

Your air conditioner works with a fan to deliver the cold air it creates. You adjust this fan at your thermostat by changing it to “auto,” which indicates the fan will only run when the air conditioner is cooling. Or you can adjust it to “on,” which indicates it will run all the time.

Does putting your AC on “fan” save energy in Tucson? Not always. Usually, running your air conditioner’s fan constantly is going to make your energy bill slightly higher.

But it also provides a few advantages (and disadvantages) in regard to your home’s comfort. Here’s why.

Air Conditioner Fan Set to “On”

Having your air conditioner’s fan go continuously can better equalize your family’s comfort. This is good if you own a two-story home, since areas upstairs can be hotter. It’s also ideal if you struggle with unbalanced cooling on account of hot and cold spaces.

It’s also beneficial if one of your family members has allergies, asthma or other respiratory issues. That’s due to the fact the air is continuously being circulated and purified. On the flip side, you may have to switch your air filters more regularly.

Having the fan on all the time can also make your energy bills more expensive. It could also make the fan wear out prematurely and need air conditioning repair.

Your residence may also seem muggier. Air conditioning helps control humidity by removing moisture from the air. But if the fan is continually working, it’s harder for moisture to drip from the condenser outside.

Air Conditioner Fan Set to “Auto”

This is the highest energy-efficient setting, as the fan will only operate when your air conditioner does. It’s good if your home always seems comfy, no matter what room you’re in.

There are a few disadvantages to using the auto setting. You might run into hot and cold spots in your house and decreased air quality. This is due to the fact air isn’t always being distributed or being repeatedly filtrated.

On the other hand, you’ll require reduced energy and won’t need to get a new air filter as regularly. Both are savings that can build up during the year, so you’ll have to think about what’s right for your home.

If you’re running into home comfort difficulties during hot weather, Ambient Air can help. We offer a large range of energy-efficient air conditioners that can keep your residence comfortable while also helping you save more on energy expenses. Many are also compatible with the latest smart home technology, giving you the ability to monitor and change temperature settings while away.

To discover more about how we can make your family more comfortable, contact us at 520-357-4912 now.