Once the weather is cooling off, you are probably wondering about how you’ll make the most of your heating and cooling. After all, HVAC costs can add up to a big chunk of your monthly electric bill. To try and find ways to save, some owners look closely at their thermostat. Is there a setting they could use to boost efficiency?

The majority of thermostats come with a ‘Fan’ or ‘Fan On’ setting. But if the fan is running during a typical cycle, what does the fan setting offer for your HVAC system? This guide will help. We’ll review precisely what the fan setting is and whether you can use it to save money over the summer or winter.

What Is the Fan Setting on My Thermostat?

For the majority of thermostats, the fan setting signifies that the air handler’s blower fan stays on. A few furnaces can operate at a low level in this setting, but for the most part heating or cooling isn’t being made. The ‘Auto’ setting, in contrast, will run the fan through a heating or cooling cycle and turn it off when the cycle is over.

There are benefits and drawbacks to using the fan setting on your thermostat, and what’s ideal {will|can|should]] depend on your personal comfort requirements.

Advantages to using the Fan/On setting:

  • You can keep the temperature in each room more consistent by permitting the fan to keep circulating air.
  • Indoor air quality will be highest since continuous airflow will keep passing airborne pollutants through the air filter.
  • Fewer start-stop cycles for the system’s fan helps expand its life span. As the air handler is typically a component of the furnace, this means you might avoid needing furnace repair.

Drawbacks to switching to the Fan/On setting:

  • A nonstop fan could add to your energy expenses somewhat.
  • Constant airflow could clog your air filter soon, increasing the frequency you’ll need to replace it.

{Choosing Between|Should My Thermostat Be on|Which Setting for My Thermostat? Fan or Auto in Each Season

During the summer, warm air can stick around in unfinished spaces including the attic or an attached garage. If you leave the fan on, 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 preferred temperature. In severe heat, this could lead to needing AC repair more regularly as wear and tear increases.

The opposite can happen in the winter. Cooler spaces such as a basement will hold onto cooler air, which can eventually make its way into the rest of your home. Leaving the fan running may pump more cold air upward, increasing the amount of heating you need to keep warm.

If you’re still trying to figure out if you should try the fan/on setting, keep in mind that every home and family’s comfort needs will vary. Leaving the HVAC system’s fan on could be ideal for you if:

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

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