During the hot weather, operating your air conditioning can be your biggest monthly utility expense. So, it’s only natural that you’re checking for approaches to save. That may entail trying an energy-efficient AC setting or even making the switch to an ENERGY STAR®-rated unit during air conditioner installation.
Switching your air conditioning’s fan setting is an additional way you can conserve money.
Your air conditioner uses a fan to distribute the chilled 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 going. Or you can adjust it to “on,” which means it will run continuously.
Does putting your AC on “fan” save energy in Odessa? Not always. Typically, using your air conditioner’s fan all day is going to make your energy bill slightly higher.
But it also gives a few pluses (and downsides) in relation to your residence’s comfort. Here’s why.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “On”
Having your air conditioner’s fan go all the time 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 good if you have issues with unbalanced cooling due to hot and cold rooms.
It’s also advantageous if one of your loved ones has been diagnosed with allergies, asthma or other respiratory symptoms. That’s since the air is consistently being dispersed and filtered. On the other hand, you may have to replace your air filters more regularly.
Having the fan on all day can also increase your energy bills. It could also cause the fan to wear out faster and need air conditioning repair.
Your home may also seem more humid. Air conditioning helps manage humidity by extracting moisture from the air. But if the fan is continuously working, it’s more difficult for moisture to drain from the condenser outside.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “Auto”
This is the most energy-efficient setting, because the fan will only go when your air conditioner does. It’s great if your house always feels comfortable, no matter what spot you’re in.
There are a few downsides to using the auto setting. You may run into hot and cold spots in your house and reduced air quality. This is since air isn’t constantly moving or being constantly filtrated.
On the flip side, you’ll need reduced energy and won’t need to change your air filter as often. Both are savings that can build up over the year, so you’ll have to consider what’s ideal for your needs.
If you’re running into home comfort problems during warm weather, Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning can assist you. We sell a substantial range of energy-efficient air conditioners that can keep your home comfortable while also helping you save more on electrical bills. Many can be partnered with the latest smart home technology, giving you the ability to monitor and change home comfort settings while away.
To learn more about how we can make your loved ones more comfortable, contact us at 432-237-0168 today.