Once the weather starts to cool off, you might be concerned about how you’ll make the most of your heating and cooling. After all, HVAC costs frequently make up a big piece of your monthly electric bill. To try and find ways to reduce costs, some homeowners look closer at their thermostat. Is there 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 typical cycle, what does the fan setting provide for the HVAC system? This guide will help. We’ll review what exactly the fan setting is and how you can use it to cut costs during the summer or winter.

How Do I Access the Fan Setting on My Thermostat?

For the bulk of thermostats, the fan setting indicates that the air handler’s blower fan stays on. Some furnaces can run at a low level with this setting, but for the most part heating or cooling isn’t being produced. The ‘Auto’ setting, in contrast, will turn on the fan through a heating or cooling cycle and shut it off after the cycle is complete.

There are advantages and disadvantages to switching on the fan setting on your thermostat, and whether you do or don’t {will|can|should]] depend on your unique 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 circulating air.
  • Indoor air quality will be highest as constant airflow will keep forcing airborne particles into the air filter.
  • A smaller amount of start-stop cycles for the blower fan helps extend its life span. Because the air handler is often connected to the furnace, this means you can avoid needing furnace repair.

Drawbacks to utilizing the Fan/On setting:

  • A nonstop fan could raise your energy bills slightly.
  • Continuous airflow can 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 Summer/Winter

In the summer, warm air will sometimes linger in unfinished spaces including the attic or an attached garage. If you keep the fan running, your HVAC system can gradually move this warm air into the rest of your home, compelling the HVAC system to work harder to preserve the desired temperature. In severe heat, this can result in needing AC repair more quickly as wear and tear increases.

The reverse can take place during the winter. Cooler spaces such as a basement will hold onto cooler air, which may eventually drift into the rest of your home. Leaving the fan running may draw 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 may 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 should help to improve 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 might help lessen these changes by constantly refreshing each room’s supply of air.