Are you using your thermostat setting options to your best advantage? While most of the settings are pretty easy to figure out, many homeowners get confused about one specific choice: whether to turn their HVAC system's fan to "on" or "auto."
The purpose of the fan is to circulate air through your HVAC system. Obviously, you need the fan running while it is actually cooling your home. But what about when your home reaches the set temperature? Do you need to keep the fan going at that point?
To answer those questions, let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of both settings.
The "Auto" setting keeps the fan going while your A/C is cooling the air. Once the house gets to the right temperature, it knows it's not needed for a while, so it shuts off.
Advantages: Since the fan is off part of the time, you're using less energy. That means lower energy bills. Since there are times when air isn't being pulled through your filter, it takes longer to get dirty. That also saves you money because you can replace the filter less often.
Disadvantages: A major disadvantage is that the fan stops and starts more often than when you use the "on" setting. Just like any machine, the more stops and starts you have, the more parts get worn out.
The "On" thermostat setting does exactly what it says: it keeps the fan on all the time.
Advantages: Since the air in your home keeps circulating, it stays a more even temperature throughout the house. Not only does this make you more comfortable, but it can also reduce issues with humidity. Another reason to use the "on" setting is that the air is circulated through your filtration system constantly, pulling more allergens and other irritants from the air.
Disadvantages: You will probably spend more money. As mentioned above, the "on" setting uses more energy, and you have to replace your filter more often.
For more thermostat setting advice or other HVAC needs in the New Haven and Fort Wayne area, contact Hartman Brothers today!
Our goal is to help educate our customers in New Haven, Indiana and surrounding Fort Wayne area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about thermostat settings and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 260-376-2961.
Credit/Copyright Attribution: “doomu/Shutterstock”