As the weather is cooling off, you are probably wondering about how you’ll make the most of your heating and cooling. After all, HVAC bills can contribute a significant piece of your monthly electric bill. To figure out new ways to reduce costs, some homeowners look closer at their thermostat. Could there be a setting they could use to increase efficiency?

The majority of thermostats come with a ‘Fan’ or ‘Fan On’ setting. But if the fan is running during a normal cycle, what will the fan setting provide for your HVAC system? This guide should help. We’ll review precisely what the fan setting is and how you can use it to cut costs over the summer or winter.

How Do I Access the Fan Setting on My Thermostat?

For the bulk of thermostats, the fan setting signifies that the system’s blower fan remains on. Certain furnaces may continue to run at a low level with this setting, but in general heating or cooling isn’t being generated. The ‘Auto’ setting, conversely, will turn on the fan during a heating or cooling cycle and shut it off when the cycle is over.

There are benefits and drawbacks to using the fan setting on your thermostat, and whether you do or don’t {will|can|should]] depend on your distinct comfort requirements.

Advantages to trying the Fan/On setting:

  • You can keep the temperature in each room more balanced by permitting the fan to keep running.
  • Indoor air quality can increase as steady airflow will keep forcing airborne particles through the air filter.
  • Fewer start-stop cycles for the HVAC fan helps lengthen its life span. Because the air handler is typically connected to the furnace, this means you can avoid needing furnace repair.

Disadvantages to utilizing the Fan/On setting:

  • A continuous fan will likely increase your energy expenses somewhat.
  • Continuous airflow could clog your air filter soon, increasing the frequency you will want to replace it.

Which Setting for My Thermostat? Fan or Auto in Each Season

During the summer, warm air can linger in unfinished spaces such as the attic or an attached garage. If you keep the fan running, your HVAC system may gradually move this warm air into the rest of your home, forcing the HVAC system to work harder to preserve the set temperature. In extreme heat, this may lead to needing AC repair more regularly as wear and tear gets worse.

The reverse can happen over the winter. Cooler spaces like a basement will hold onto cooler air, which will eventually flow into the rest of your home. Leaving the fan setting on may pump more cold air upward, increasing the amount of heating you need to stay warm.

If you’re still trying to decide if you should switch to the fan/on setting, keep in mind that every home and family’s comfort needs are different. Leaving the HVAC system’s fan on might be best for you if:

Someone in your household has allergies. Allergies and similar respiratory conditions can be tough on the family. Leaving the fan on is more likely to increase indoor air quality, helping your family breathe easier.

Your home has hot and cold spots. Many homes deal with difficult hot and cold spots that quickly evolve to a temperature different from the rest of the house. The fan setting can help lessen these changes by steadily refreshing each room’s ventilation.