During the hot weather, running your air conditioning can be your biggest monthly utility charge. So, it’s given that you’re looking for methods to use less energy. That could include using an energy-efficient AC setting or even upgrading 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 uses a fan to dispatch the cold air it makes. You adjust this fan at your thermostat by setting it to “auto,” which means the fan will only work when the air conditioner is working. Or you can adjust it to “on,” which means it will run continuously.
Does putting your AC on “fan” save energy in Tucson? Not necessarily. Usually, running your air conditioner’s fan all day is going to drive up your energy bill slightly.
But it also gives a few perks (and drawbacks) in relation to your family’s comfort. Here’s why.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “On”
Having your air conditioner’s fan run all day can better balance your house’s comfort. This is ideal if you own a two-story home, since rooms upstairs can be hotter. It’s also ideal if you have difficulties with uneven cooling due to hot and cold spots.
It’s also beneficial if one of your loved ones has allergies, asthma or other respiratory issues. That’s because the air is continuously being circulated and purified. On the other hand, you may have to install new air filters more regularly.
Having the fan on all the time can also make your energy bills more expensive. It could also result in the fan wearing out sooner and need air conditioning repair.
Your home may also appear more moist. Air conditioning helps control humidity by extracting moisture from the air. But if the fan is constantly going, it’s challenging for moisture to drip from the condenser externally.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “Auto”
This is the most energy-efficient setting, since the fan will only work when your air conditioner does. It’s ideal if your home always seems cool, regardless of which room you’re in.
There are a few disadvantages to using the auto setting. You might experience hot and cold spots in your residence and reduced air quality. This is due to the fact air isn’t always moving or being continuously filtrated.
On the other hand, you’ll need a lower amount of energy and won’t need to switch you air filter as often. Both are savings that can add up throughout the year, so you’ll have to think about what’s right for your needs.
If you’re running into home comfort issues during the summer, A&M Heating & Cooling LLC 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 electrical bills. Many are also compatible with the latest smart home technology, giving you the ability to oversee and regulate temperature settings while away.
To hear more about how we can make your loved ones more pleasant, contact us at 520-200-1048 right away.