During the high temperatures, using your air conditioning can be your highest monthly utility expense. So, it’s normal that you’re checking for approaches to use less energy. That could involve using an energy-efficient AC setting or even upgrading to an ENERGY STAR®-rated system through air conditioner installation. Regulating your air conditioning’s fan setting is an additional way you can conserve money. Your air conditioner relies on a fan to deliver the cold air it produces. You control this fan at your thermostat by setting it to “auto,” which signifies the fan will only work when the air conditioner is operating. Or you can switch it to “on,” which means it will run continuously. Does putting your AC on “fan” save energy in Omaha? Not necessarily. Typically, using your air conditioner’s fan all the time is going to make your energy bill slightly higher. But it also provides a few pluses (and downsides) 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 stabilize your home’s comfort. This is good if you live in a two-story home, since spaces upstairs can be more hot. It’s also great if you have issues with inconsistent cooling on account of hot and cold spaces. It’s also advantageous if someone in your household has allergies, asthma or other respiratory symptoms. That’s since the air is constantly being dispersed and filtered. However, you may have to replace your air filters more often. Having the fan on constantly can also make your energy bills more expensive. It could also cause the fan to wear out more quickly and need air conditioning repair. Your home may also seem more humid. Air conditioning helps balance humidity by clearing water from the air. But if the fan is continuously going, it’s challenging for moisture to flow from the condenser outside.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “Auto”
This is the most energy-efficient setting, since the fan will only go when your air conditioner does. It’s ideal if your home always feels the right temperature, whichever area you’re in. There are a few disadvantages to using the auto setting. You might experience hot and cold areas in your home and decreased air quality. This is since air isn’t continuously being distributed or being repeatedly filtrated. That said, you’ll use a lower amount of energy and won’t need to switch your air filter as often. Both are savings that can build up throughout the year, so you’ll have to think about what’s right for your family. If you’re having home comfort issues during hot weather, Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning can assist you. We sell a wide range of energy-efficient air conditioners that can keep your residence comfier while also helping you save more on electricity costs. Many also work with the latest smart home technology, allowing you to oversee and change home comfort settings while you’re gone. To hear more about how we can make your house more pleasant, contact us at 402-509-5940 today.