During the hot weather, running your air conditioning can be your biggest monthly electrical expense. So, it’s only natural that you’re looking 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 system during air conditioner installation. Regulating your air conditioning’s fan setting is a second way you can conserve money. Your air conditioner works with a fan to deliver the cool air it makes. You control this fan at your thermostat by changing it to “auto,” which signifies the fan will only be on when the air conditioner is operating. Or you can switch it to “on,” which means it will run all the time. Does putting your AC on “fan” save energy in Libertyville? Not always. Usually, using 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) in relation to your family’s comfort. Here’s why.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “On”
Having your air conditioner’s fan operate continuously can better equalize your home’s comfort. This is great if you have a two-story house, since spaces upstairs can be hotter. It’s also great if you have difficulties with inconsistent cooling due to hot and cold areas. It’s also beneficial if someone in your household suffers from allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems. That’s because the air is consistently being circulated and purified. On the flip side, you may have to put in new air filters more frequently. Having the fan on all day can also make your energy bills more expensive. It could also result in the fan wearing out prematurely and need air conditioning repair. Your house may also feel muggier. Air conditioning helps control humidity by extracting water from the air. But if the fan is continually working, it’s harder for moisture to flow from the condenser outside.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “Auto”
This is the highest energy-efficient setting, since the fan will only work when your air conditioner does. It’s good if your home always seems pleasant, regardless of which room you’re in. There are a few disadvantages to using the auto setting. You could run into hot and cold areas in your house and reduced air quality. This is because air isn’t constantly being distributed or being constantly filtrated. On the other hand, you’ll require reduced energy and won’t need to replace your air filter as frequently. Both are savings that can add up during the year, so you’ll have to consider what’s right for your needs. If you’re running into home comfort problems during hot weather, TopTec can help. We offer a substantial range of energy-efficient air conditioners that can keep your house comfortable while also helping you save more on electricity bills. Many can be partnered with the latest smart home technology, allowing you to oversee and regulate home comfort settings while you’re gone. To hear more about how we can make your house more comfortable, contact us at 847-362-0262 today.