During the hot weather, running your air conditioning can be your highest monthly utility charge. So, it’s only natural that you’re looking for approaches to use less energy. That could entail finding an energy-efficient AC setting or even stepping up to an ENERGY STAR®-rated model with air conditioner installation. Modifying your air conditioning’s fan setting is another way you can conserve money. Your air conditioner works with a fan to dispatch the chilled air it makes. You adjust this fan at your thermostat by changing it to “auto,” which indicates the fan will only be on when the air conditioner is operating. Or you can switch it to “on,” which means it will run all the time. Does putting your AC on “fan” save energy in Pella? Not always. Generally, running your air conditioner’s fan all day is going to make your energy bill slightly higher. But it also gives a few perks (and drawbacks) when it comes to your family’s comfort. Here’s why.

Air Conditioner Fan Set to “On”

Having your air conditioner’s fan go all day can better equalize your family’s comfort. This is good if you live in a two-story home, since spaces upstairs can be hotter. It’s also ideal if you have issues with unbalanced cooling on account of hot and cold spots. It’s also advantageous if someone in your household has allergies, asthma or other respiratory illnesses. That’s because the air is consistently being distributed and filtrated. However, you may have to put in new air filters more regularly. Having the fan on constantly can also drive up your energy bills. It could also result in the fan wearing out faster and need air conditioning repair. Your home may also feel muggier. Air conditioning helps control humidity by extracting water from the air. But if the fan is continuously going, it’s more difficult for moisture to drip from the condenser outdoors.

Air Conditioner Fan Set to “Auto”

This is the most energy-efficient setting, because the fan will only work when your air conditioner does. It’s good if your house always appears pleasant, regardless of which area you’re in. There are a few disadvantages to using the auto setting. You could run into hot and cold spots in your home and reduced air quality. This is since air isn’t constantly being distributed or being constantly filtrated. On the other hand, you’ll consume reduced energy and won’t have to get a new 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 warm weather, Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating can assist you. We sell a wide range of energy-efficient air conditioners that can keep your home more pleasant while also helping you save more on electrical costs. Many are also compatible with the latest smart home technology, giving you the ability to monitor and adjust temp settings while on the go. To learn more about how we can make your residence more pleasant, contact us at 641-628-3621 now.