During the high temperatures, running your air conditioning can be your largest monthly electricity cost. So, it’s given that you’re checking for methods to consume less energy. That might include using an energy-efficient AC setting or even making the switch to an ENERGY STAR®-rated unit with air conditioner installation. Changing your air conditioning’s fan setting is an additional way you can conserve money. Your air conditioner relies on a fan to deliver the cool air it produces. You adjust this fan at your thermostat by switching it to “auto,” which signifies the fan will only run when the air conditioner is going. Or you can set it to “on,” which means it will run continuously. Does putting your AC on “fan” save energy in Spokane? Not always. Typically, using your air conditioner’s fan all the time is going to make your energy bill slightly higher. But it also offers a few perks (and drawbacks) when it comes to your home’s comfort. Here’s why.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “On”
Having your air conditioner’s fan operate all the time can better stabilize your family’s comfort. This is great if you own a two-story house, since rooms upstairs can be more hot. It’s also great if you have difficulties with inconsistent cooling because of hot and cold areas. It’s also advantageous if someone in your household suffers from allergies, asthma or other respiratory illnesses. That’s since the air is constantly being circulated and filtrated. On the flip side, you may have to switch your air filters more frequently. Having the fan on constantly can also drive up your energy bills. It could also make the fan wear out more quickly and need air conditioning repair. Your house may also appear more humid. Air conditioning helps manage humidity by extracting wetness from the air. But if the fan is continuously running, it’s challenging for moisture to drip from the condenser outdoors.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “Auto”
This is the highest energy-efficient setting, as the fan will only go when your air conditioner does. It’s great if your home always seems the right temperature, regardless of which spot you’re in. There are a few downsides to using the auto setting. You might run into hot and cold locations in your residence and reduced air quality. This is since air isn’t continuously flowing or being constantly filtrated. On the other hand, you’ll consume reduced energy and won’t have to get a new air filter as frequently. Both are savings that can add up over the year, so you’ll have to think about what’s right for your family. If you’re having home comfort problems during warm weather, Bigfoot Mechanical can assist you. We offer a large range of energy-efficient air conditioners that can keep your house comfortable while also helping you save more on electricity costs. Many are also compatible with the latest smart home technology, allowing you to monitor and regulate temperature settings while you’re gone. To hear more about how we can make your house more pleasant, contact us at 509-392-8770 today.
