During the hot weather, operating your air conditioning can be your highest monthly utility cost. So, it’s only natural that you’re looking for methods to consume less energy. That can involve using an energy-efficient AC setting or even stepping up to an ENERGY STAR®-rated unit with air conditioner installation.
Modifying your air conditioning’s fan setting is another way you can spend less money.
Your air conditioner uses a fan to dispatch the cold air it makes. You adjust this fan at your thermostat by switching it to “auto,” which signifies the fan will only be on when the air conditioner is working. Or you can set it to “on,” which means it will operate constantly.
Does putting your AC on “fan” save energy in Mobile? This isn’t always the case. Typically, using your air conditioner’s fan all day is going to drive up your energy bill slightly.
But it also has a few perks (and drawbacks) when it comes to your residence’s comfort. Here’s why.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “On”
Having your air conditioner’s fan operate all day can better equalize your home’s comfort. This is good if you own a two-story residence, since spaces upstairs can be more hot. It’s also ideal if you have issues with uneven cooling due to hot and cold rooms.
It’s also good if one of your family members has allergies, asthma or other respiratory illnesses. That’s since the air is continuously being dispersed and purified. However, you may have to replace your air filters more frequently.
Having the fan on all the time can also drive up your energy bills. It could also cause the fan to wear out faster and need air conditioning repair.
Your residence may also feel muggier. Air conditioning helps manage humidity by drawing water from the air. But if the fan is always running, it’s more difficult for moisture to drain from the condenser externally.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “Auto”
This is the best energy-efficient setting, since the fan will only operate when your air conditioner does. It’s great if your home always appears pleasant, regardless of which spot you’re in.
There are a few drawbacks to using the auto setting. You could have hot and cold locations in your home and decreased air quality. This is due to the fact air isn’t continuously being distributed or being repeatedly filtrated.
That said, you’ll need a lower amount of energy and won’t need to change your air filter as often. Both are savings that can build up during the year, so you’ll have to think over what’s right for your household.
If you’re running into home comfort difficulties during the summer, Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc can help. We install a wide range of energy-efficient air conditioners that can keep your home comfortable while also helping you save more on energy bills. Many are also compatible with the latest smart home technology, giving you the opportunity to check and regulate temperature settings while on the go.
To learn more about how we can make your house more pleasant, contact us at 251-471-2674 today.