When the weather starts to cool off, you are probably wondering about how you’ll prepare your heating and cooling. After all, HVAC costs frequently contribute a big portion of your monthly electric bill. To try and find ways to save, some people look closely at their thermostat. Is there a setting they could use to boost efficiency?

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

How Do I Access the Fan Setting on My Thermostat?

For the majority of thermostats, the fan setting means that the air handler’s blower fan stays on. Certain furnaces may continue to generate heat 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 turn on the fan during a heating or cooling cycle and turn it off after the cycle is over.

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

Advantages to switching to the Fan/On setting:

  • You can keep the temperature in each room more uniform by enabling the fan to keep running.
  • Indoor air quality can increase since constant airflow will keep moving airborne particles into the air filter.
  • A smaller amount of start-stop cycles for the HVAC fan helps lengthen its life span. Because the air handler is typically a component of the furnace, this means you can prevent the need for furnace repair.

Disadvantages to switching to the Fan/On setting:

  • A constant fan could add to your energy expenses somewhat.
  • Constant airflow could clog your air filter up more quickly, increasing the frequency you will want to replace it.

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

Through the summer, warm air can linger in unfinished spaces including the attic or an attached garage. If you keep the fan running, your HVAC system may pull this warm air into the rest of your home, pushing the HVAC system to run longer to maintain the desired temperature. In severe heat, this can lead to needing AC repair more quickly as wear and tear gets worse.

The opposite can happen over the winter. Cooler spaces like a basement will hold onto cooler air, which will eventually make its way into the rest of your home. Leaving the fan running could pull more cold air upward, increasing the amount of heating you need to remain warm.

If you’re still trying to determine 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 could be best for you if:

Someone in your household suffers from allergies. Allergies and other respiratory conditions can be tough on the family. Leaving the fan on can help to enhance indoor air quality, helping your family breathe easier.

Your home has hot and cold spots. Lots of homes deal with difficult hot and cold spots that quickly shift 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.