During the hot weather, operating your air conditioning can be your largest monthly electricity cost. So, it’s only natural that you’re seeking approaches to save. That might entail using an energy-efficient AC setting or even stepping up to an ENERGY STAR®-rated system with air conditioner installation. Switching your air conditioning’s fan setting is another way you can spend less money. Your air conditioner relies on a fan to dispatch the chilled air it creates. You control this fan at your thermostat by setting it to “auto,” which indicates the fan will only run when the air conditioner is going. Or you can adjust it to “on,” which means it will run continuously. Does putting your AC on “fan” save energy in Sacramento? Not always. Typically, operating your air conditioner’s fan all the time is going to make your energy bill slightly higher. But it also provides a few advantages (and downsides) in regard to your home’s comfort. Here’s why.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “On”
Having your air conditioner’s fan go continuously can better stabilize your house’s comfort. This is good if you own a two-story home, since rooms upstairs can be more hot. It’s also ideal if you have issues with uneven cooling due to hot and cold spaces. It’s also good if one of your loved ones has been diagnosed with allergies, asthma or other respiratory symptoms. That’s since the air is consistently being circulated and filtered. On the other hand, you may have to put in new air filters more regularly. Having the fan on all day can also drive up your energy bills. It could also result in the fan wearing out more quickly 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 on, it’s challenging for moisture to drain from the condenser outside.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “Auto”
This is the most energy-efficient setting, since the fan will only go when your air conditioner does. It’s ideal if your house always appears comfy, regardless of which spot you’re in. There are a few downsides to using the auto setting. You may run into hot and cold areas in your home and decreased air quality. This is because air isn’t continuously being distributed or being repeatedly purified. On the flip side, you’ll consume reduced energy and won’t need to get a new air filter as frequently. Both are savings that can build up during the year, so you’ll have to think about what’s ideal for your family. If you’re experiencing home comfort issues during warm weather, Bishop’s HVAC can support you. We have a large range of energy-efficient air conditioners that can keep your home comfier while also helping you save more on electrical costs. Many are also compatible with the latest smart home technology, allowing you to monitor and adjust temp settings while you’re gone. To discover more about how we can make your house more comfortable, contact us at 916-591-6889 right away.