During the hot weather, running your air conditioning can be your biggest monthly electrical cost. So, it’s only natural that you’re seeking methods to consume less energy. That could involve trying an energy-efficient AC setting or even stepping up to an ENERGY STAR®-rated system during air conditioner installation. Regulating your air conditioning’s fan setting is an additional way you can save money. Your air conditioner works with a fan to deliver the chilled air it creates. You control this fan at your thermostat by switching it to “auto,” which means the fan will only work when the air conditioner is going. Or you can set it to “on,” which indicates it will be on all the time. Does putting your AC on “fan” save energy in Manassas? Not necessarily. Generally, running your air conditioner’s fan all day is going to make your energy bill slightly higher. But it also has a few advantages (and disadvantages) in relation to your home’s comfort. Here’s why.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “On”
Having your air conditioner’s fan run continuously can better equalize your home’s comfort. This is great if you live in a two-story house, since areas upstairs can be more hot. It’s also ideal if you have difficulties with unbalanced cooling due to hot and cold spots. It’s also advantageous if one of your family members suffers from allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems. That’s because the air is consistently being circulated and filtrated. On the flip side, you may have to switch your air filters more frequently. Having the fan on constantly can also make your energy bills more expensive. 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 extracting wetness from the air. But if the fan is constantly going, it’s more difficult for moisture to drip from the condenser externally.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “Auto”
This is the most energy-efficient setting, as the fan will only work when your air conditioner does. It’s great if your residence always feels comfy, 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 residence and decreased air quality. This is since air isn’t constantly moving or being continuously filtered. That said, you’ll consume a lower amount of energy and won’t be required to switch your air filter as frequently. Both are savings that can build up throughout the year, so you’ll have to think over what’s right for your needs. If you’re running into home comfort issues during hot weather, Air-Right Energy Design can assist you. We offer a wide range of energy-efficient air conditioners that can keep your residence more pleasant while also helping you save more on electricity costs. Many also work with the latest smart home technology, allowing you to monitor and regulate home comfort settings while you’re gone. To find out more about how we can make your home more comfy, contact us at 703-260-1148 today.
