During the summer, using your air conditioning can be your highest monthly utility charge. So, it’s only natural that you’re checking for approaches to consume less energy. That might include using an energy-efficient AC setting or even upgrading to an ENERGY STAR®-rated model with air conditioner installation. Regulating your air conditioning’s fan setting is a second way you can save money. Your air conditioner relies on a fan to dispatch the chilled air it creates. You control this fan at your thermostat by switching it to “auto,” which signifies the fan will only run 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 Des Moines? Not always. Typically, running your air conditioner’s fan all the time is going to make your energy bill slightly higher. But it also gives a few advantages (and downsides) when it comes to your residence’s comfort. Here’s why.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “On”
Having your air conditioner’s fan run all the time can better balance your home’s comfort. This is good if you own a two-story residence, since spaces upstairs can be hotter. It’s also ideal if you have problems with inconsistent cooling due to hot and cold rooms. It’s also beneficial if someone in your household suffers from allergies, asthma or other respiratory symptoms. That’s since the air is consistently being distributed and filtered. On the other hand, you may have to put in new air filters more regularly. Having the fan on constantly can also make your energy bills more expensive. It could also result in the fan wearing out faster and need air conditioning repair. Your home may also seem more moist. Air conditioning helps manage humidity by extracting wetness from the air. But if the fan is continuously on, it’s challenging 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 go when your air conditioner does. It’s good if your house always appears comfy, whichever area you’re in. There are a few disadvantages to using the auto setting. You might run into hot and cold locations in your home and reduced air quality. This is due to the fact air isn’t always flowing or being constantly filtered. On the other hand, you’ll use a lower amount of energy and won’t be required to switch your air filter as regularly. Both are savings that can add up during the year, so you’ll have to consider what’s best for your family. If you’re running into home comfort problems during hot weather, Heartland Heating & Cooling can help. We offer a wide range of energy-efficient air conditioners that can keep your house more pleasant while also helping you save more on energy bills. Many can be partnered with the latest smart home technology, giving you the opportunity to check and change temp settings while you’re gone. To discover more about how we can make your residence more comfortable, contact us at 515-344-3579 today.