Auto or On: How Should I Set My Air Conditioner Fan Setting?
Air Conditioning, HVAC
The air conditioner in your home keeps your house cool and comfortable. Each family member may have their own opinion as to the ideal temperature of the home’s air conditioning system. Some individuals want the house to be slightly cool while others may prefer a frosty temperature setting. No matter what temperature you collectively decide on in your home, you then have to determine whether to use the air conditioner’s automatic or “on” fan setting. So, which option is best? Here are some factors to consider when switching your AC to “on” or automatic.
What is the Automatic Fan Setting?
When the air conditioner fan is set on automatic, the fan will only run when your AC is running. Keeping the fan setting on automatic may help you conserve energy and save money as the fan only runs at certain times. However, this setting may not be enough to keep the house as cool as you might like. For example, if you have more people in your house than you usually do, the automatic setting may not result in enough cool air to keep everyone comfortable. Also, if your home stays at a level temperature for most of the time, your AC may not run as much and you may not get the benefit of the cool, fresh air as you would with the air conditioner set to the “on” position. With that said, you can use the automatic fan setting along with circulating fans in the rooms of your house to achieve flowing, cool air while still conserving electricity.
What is the “On” Setting?
When you use the “on” setting of your air conditioner, the air in your house will continue to circulate. This occurs even when the air conditioner’s not running and you’re not getting extreme cold air. However, you’ll still get cool air when the AC fan is set on this mode. If you choose to keep your fan running in the “on” position, your utility bill may be higher at certain times of the year. With that said, when you leave your AC fan running all of the time, it may keep the temperatures more stable therefore you won’t have to cool down your home to extreme levels. The AC will just run when your house gets a little bit warm and the temperature needs to get back to the level that’s set on the thermostat.
Does One AC Setting Save More Money?
The automatic setting may save you more money on your electric bill. The fan runs anytime the air conditioner is actively cooling your home. It’s important to note that you may not be as cool as you might like during the warmer months as the fan isn’t running constantly to circulate the air in your house. However, if you want to be cool at all times and can justify paying a possibly higher electric bill during certain times of the year, pushing the “on” button on your air conditioner may be the right move for you.
Which Air Conditioner Setting is Best?
So, which air conditioner setting is best? It depends on your personal preference as to cooling the house, whether you like a constant airflow, how much you have reserved in your budget for your electric bill, and how many people may be in your home at any given time. You can try both AC fan settings to see which temperature setting is most comfortable for you and monitor how much one bumps up your electric bill over the other setting type. Remember, you can always alternate between the two fan settings for the optimal comfort level in your home.
Contact NuBlue for All of Your HVAC Needs
Whether you want to upgrade to a new HVAC system for efficiency purposes and to save money or simply feel as if your current air conditioner could be a little bit cooler, NuBlue can help! Contact the NuBlue team to find out more about these energy-saving AC tips and for help with all of your HVAC needs.
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