What Setting Should I Use with My HVAC System?
Confused about what setting to use on your HVAC system? Here is some information that will help you keep your house the perfect temperature for you and your family and save money in the process.
ON definition
Setting your system to ON means that the fan is constantly working when your system isn’t working to cool or heat the house. It will keep the fan running 24/7.
AUTO definition
“The “auto” setting means less energy usage, because it keeps the fan running the least amount of time at the slowest speed needed for heating and cooling,” reports Angie’s List.
Setting your system to AUTO allows the fan setting to control your air conditioning’s blower to work. The fan inside your system helps move the air throughout your home. If the system is set to AUTO, when the thermostat reaches your ideal temperature that you like, they system with the blower fan shuts off which is the most energy efficient setting.
Reasons NOT to use the ON setting
Higher Costs
You will use more energy keeping the fan running which will increase your bill. Unless you have a variable speed motor, that “little” fan in your furnace can cost a lot to run 24/7.
Increases humidity
With the fan set to ON all of the time, your AC will not dehumidify your home properly.
Air duct leakage
Most homes leak about 10% of the supply air and 12% of the return air through their duct system, according to Energy Vanguard. So, if the fan is blowing all the time, you’re always losing your conditioned air, running up your energy bills.
More frequent repairs
By leaving your system in the ON position, the fan runs more which can increase wear and tear on your blower and lead to costly blower repairs.
Angie’s List states that the “auto” setting means less energy usage, because it keeps the fan running the least amount of time at the slowest speed needed for heating and cooling.
Energy Vanguard supports Auto
Energy Vanguard explains why you shouldn’t leave your thermostat set to the fan-on position
- If you’re in a humid climate, you may push the air in your home into the mold-growing range of relative humidity, especially if your air conditioner is oversized.
- Your energy bills will be higher.
- You’ll increase your total duct leakage because the fan will be running all the time.
- If you have unbalanced duct leakage, you may also increase the air leakage across your building enclosure.
Contact Us
Contact the pros at TRUST Heating & Air to discuss savings tips and free estimates. We have 24/7 Emergency Services. Just call us at 678-926-9676 to come out and resolve the problem.
