The fan setting on your thermostat controls the blower on your HVAC system. The blower circulates the air in your home in order to reach the temperature you set on your thermostat. The two settings on the thermostat that control the fan are Auto and On.
Auto means that the fan will turn on automatically as the system is heating or cooling. Once the thermostat recognizes that the air has reached the desired temperature, it will shut off until the next heating or cooling cycle.
On means that the fan is constantly running, even when your system is not heating or cooling the air.
Deciding whether to set your AC fan to Auto or On is ultimately a personal preference, but there are pros and cons to each option.
Pros and Cons of Setting Your AC Fan to Auto
One of the primary advantages of the auto setting is that it saves energy and can lower your monthly energy bill. You will also get more longevity out of your air filters and they won’t need to be replaced as often. If you are generally as comfortable in one room of your home as the next, you’ll want to use the Auto setting. The air conditioning fan kicks in when needed and stops running when the job is done.
One of the disadvantages is that conditioned air will not be distributed evenly throughout your home, which can make certain areas feel warmer or colder. If you are spending most of your time in one room and you feel comfortable, this is not that big of a problem. Also, when the fan is blowing it can help with indoor air quality, so the air may not be as clean and clear as it would be if you used the On setting.
Pros and Cons of Setting Your AC Fan to On
You’ll want to use the On setting when you would like to keep the air in the home consistent. Perhaps you want the cooler air in the basement and the hotter air in the upstairs bedrooms to be more balanced. A constant fan can help with this. The constant fan flow will keep the air cleaner than if it is turning on and off throughout the day. Also, the fan running constantly will actually extend the lifespan since there will be fewer start and stop cycles which cause the most wear and tear.
The fan running nonstop will increase your energy bill on a monthly basis and you will need to change the air filters more often.
Ultimately, choosing the Auto or On setting for your AC fan is a personal preference. Take all the pros and cons into consideration and decide which aspects are most important to you.
