During the summer, operating your air conditioning can be your highest monthly utility expense. So, it’s only natural that you’re seeking ways to consume less energy. That may involve finding an energy-efficient AC setting or even upgrading to an ENERGY STAR®-rated model during air conditioner installation. Switching your air conditioning’s fan setting is a second way you can conserve money. Your air conditioner relies on a fan to deliver the chilled air it makes. You manage this fan at your thermostat by switching it to “auto,” which indicates the fan will only be on when the air conditioner is cooling. Or you can switch it to “on,” which signifies it will run continuously. Does putting your AC on “fan” save energy in Savage? Not always. Generally, running your air conditioner’s fan constantly is going to make your energy bill slightly higher. But it also has a few perks (and disadvantages) as far as your family’s comfort. Here’s why.

Air Conditioner Fan Set to “On”

Having your air conditioner’s fan go continuously can better stabilize your home’s comfort. This is good if you have a two-story house, since spaces upstairs can be hotter. It’s also ideal if you have issues with inconsistent cooling due to hot and cold spots. It’s also good if someone in your household has been diagnosed with allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems. That’s since the air is consistently being circulated and filtrated. On the other hand, you may have to switch your air filters more frequently. Having the fan on all the time can also drive up your energy bills. It could also make the fan wear out faster and need air conditioning repair. Your home may also appear more humid. Air conditioning helps manage humidity by clearing water from the air. But if the fan is constantly working, it’s more difficult for moisture to drip from the condenser externally.

Air Conditioner Fan Set to “Auto”

This is the highest energy-efficient setting, because the fan will only go when your air conditioner does. It’s great if your home always appears comfy, no matter what area you’re in. There are a few drawbacks to using the auto setting. You might have hot and cold areas in your house and lower air quality. This is since air isn’t constantly flowing or being repeatedly filtrated. That said, you’ll consume a lower amount of energy and won’t have to replace your air filter as frequently. Both are savings that can add up throughout the year, so you’ll have to consider what’s best for your family. If you’re running into home comfort issues during hot weather, Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning can support you. We offer a large range of energy-efficient air conditioners that can keep your residence comfortable while also helping you save more on electricity bills. Many also work with the latest smart home technology, giving you the ability to oversee and regulate temp settings while on the go. To learn more about how we can make your home more pleasant, contact us at 952-373-0377 today.