During the summer, running your air conditioning can be your biggest monthly electricity expense. So, it’s only natural that you’re checking for methods to consume less energy. That might entail trying an energy-efficient AC setting or even upgrading to an ENERGY STAR®-rated model with air conditioner installation.
Adjusting your air conditioning’s fan setting is another way you can conserve money.
Your air conditioner uses a fan to distribute the cool air it creates. You manage this fan at your thermostat by changing it to “auto,” which means the fan will only work when the air conditioner is cooling. Or you can switch it to “on,” which indicates it will be on constantly.
Does putting your AC on “fan” save energy in Savage? Not always. Generally, operating your air conditioner’s fan all day is going to make your energy bill slightly higher.
But it also has a few pluses (and drawbacks) as far as your family’s comfort. Here’s why.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “On”
Having your air conditioner’s fan operate all day can better stabilize your family’s comfort. This is great if you own a two-story home, since areas upstairs can be warmer. It’s also good if you struggle with unbalanced cooling because of hot and cold areas.
It’s also great if someone in your household has been diagnosed with allergies, asthma or other respiratory illnesses. That’s because the air is continuously being distributed and purified. However, you may have to switch your air filters more often.
Having the fan on all the time can also increase your energy bills. It could also make the fan wear out sooner and need air conditioning repair.
Your home may also seem more moist. Air conditioning helps manage humidity by clearing moisture from the air. But if the fan is constantly going, it’s harder for moisture to drip from the condenser outdoors.
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 ideal if your residence always seems cool, regardless of which spot you’re in.
There are a few downsides to using the auto setting. You could experience hot and cold locations in your home and decreased air quality. This is since air isn’t constantly flowing or being continuously purified.
On the other hand, you’ll need less energy and won’t need to change your air filter as regularly. Both are savings that can tally up throughout the year, so you’ll have to consider what’s best for your home.
If you’re having home comfort issues during the summer, Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning can assist you. We have a substantial range of energy-efficient air conditioners that can keep your home more pleasant 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 temperature settings while on the go.
To hear more about how we can make your residence more comfortable, contact us at 952-373-0377 right away.