During the summer, operating your air conditioning can be your largest monthly electrical expense. So, it’s given that you’re looking for methods to consume less energy. That may involve finding an energy-efficient AC setting or even stepping up to an ENERGY STAR®-rated system through air conditioner installation.
Changing your air conditioning’s fan setting is a second way you can save money.
Your air conditioner relies on a fan to deliver the chilled air it creates. You adjust this fan at your thermostat by setting it to “auto,” which indicates the fan will only run when the air conditioner is running. Or you can adjust it to “on,” which signifies it will work constantly.
Does putting your AC on “fan” save energy in Wausau? Not necessarily. Usually, operating your air conditioner’s fan all day is going to drive up your energy bill slightly.
But it also has a few advantages (and downsides) when it comes to your home’s comfort. Here’s why.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “On”
Having your air conditioner’s fan go continuously can better equalize your family’s comfort. This is good if you own a two-story house, since rooms upstairs can be warmer. It’s also great if you have problems with uneven cooling because of hot and cold areas.
It’s also great if one of your loved ones deals with allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems. That’s since the air is consistently being dispersed and purified. However, you may have to switch your air filters more frequently.
Having the fan on all the time can also increase your energy bills. It could also cause the fan to wear out faster and need air conditioning repair.
Your home may also appear more moist. Air conditioning helps control humidity by extracting water from the air. But if the fan is continually running, it’s challenging for moisture to flow from the condenser externally.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “Auto”
This is the most energy-efficient setting, because the fan will only run when your air conditioner does. It’s ideal if your home always appears pleasant, regardless of which area you’re in.
There are a few disadvantages to using the auto setting. You may run into hot and cold locations in your house and decreased air quality. This is because air isn’t constantly moving or being continuously filtered.
That said, you’ll require reduced energy and won’t need to switch you air filter as frequently. Both are savings that can tally up over the year, so you’ll have to consider what’s best for your family.
If you’re experiencing home comfort issues during hot weather, Gilray Heating and Cooling can support you. We install a substantial range of energy-efficient air conditioners that can keep your home comfier while also helping you save more on electrical bills. Many are also compatible with the latest smart home technology, giving you the ability to check and adjust home comfort settings while away.
To hear more about how we can make your family more pleasant, contact us at 715-301-0727 today.