During the summer, operating your air conditioning can be your biggest monthly electrical expense. So, it’s given that you’re looking for methods to consume less energy. That might involve finding an energy-efficient AC setting or even upgrading to an ENERGY STAR®-rated system with air conditioner installation.
Adjusting your air conditioning’s fan setting is a second way you can conserve money.
Your air conditioner works with a fan to deliver the cold air it creates. You manage this fan at your thermostat by switching it to “auto,” which indicates the fan will only work when the air conditioner is running. Or you can set it to “on,” which indicates it will work all the time.
Does putting your AC on “fan” save energy in the Bay Area? Not necessarily. Usually, using your air conditioner’s fan constantly is going to drive up your energy bill slightly.
But it also offers a few advantages (and downsides) in relation to your home’s comfort. Here’s why.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “On”
Having your air conditioner’s fan operate all the time can better stabilize your family’s comfort. This is great if you own a two-story home, since areas upstairs can be warmer. It’s also ideal if you struggle with unbalanced cooling on account of hot and cold spaces.
It’s also good if one of your family members deals with allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems. That’s due to the fact the air is constantly being circulated and filtered. On the flip side, you may have to install new air filters more frequently.
Having the fan on all the time can also drive up your energy bills. It could also result in the fan wearing out faster and need air conditioning repair.
Your residence may also seem more moist. Air conditioning helps control humidity by extracting moisture from the air. But if the fan is continuously running, it’s challenging for moisture to drip from the condenser externally.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “Auto”
This is the most energy-efficient setting, since the fan will only go when your air conditioner does. It’s good if your residence always seems comfortable, whichever room you’re in.
There are a few downsides to using the auto setting. You could run into hot and cold areas in your residence and decreased air quality. This is due to the fact air isn’t constantly being distributed or being constantly filtered.
On the flip side, you’ll use less energy and won’t need to switch you air filter as regularly. Both are savings that can tally up over the year, so you’ll have to consider what’s right for your family.
If you’re experiencing home comfort difficulties during hot weather, Contra Costa Heating & AC can help. We have a large range of energy-efficient air conditioners that can keep your house more pleasant while also helping you save more on energy bills. Many also work with the latest smart home technology, giving you the opportunity to check and adjust temp settings while on the go.
To hear more about how we can make your home more comfy, contact us at 510-343-9841 now.