During the summer, using your air conditioning can be your largest monthly utility expense. So, it’s given that you’re seeking ways to consume less energy. That can involve trying an energy-efficient AC setting or even stepping up to an ENERGY STAR®-rated unit through air conditioner installation.

Regulating your air conditioning’s fan setting is another way you can spend less money.

Your air conditioner works with a fan to distribute the cold air it produces. You adjust this fan at your thermostat by changing it to “auto,” which indicates the fan will only work when the air conditioner is working. Or you can set it to “on,” which signifies it will run all the time.

Does putting your AC on “fan” save energy in Marshalltown? Not necessarily. Generally, using your air conditioner’s fan constantly is going to drive up your energy bill slightly.

But it also offers a few pluses (and disadvantages) when it comes to your family’s comfort. Here’s why.

Air Conditioner Fan Set to “On”

Having your air conditioner’s fan run continuously can better stabilize your family’s comfort. This is ideal if you have a two-story residence, since areas upstairs can be more hot. It’s also good if you have issues with uneven cooling on account of hot and cold spots.

It’s also advantageous if one of your loved ones has been diagnosed with allergies, asthma or other respiratory illnesses. That’s since the air is constantly being distributed and filtrated. On the other hand, you may have to install new air filters more regularly.

Having the fan on all day can also drive up your energy bills. It could also result in the fan wearing out faster and need air conditioning repair.

Your home may also seem muggier. Air conditioning helps control humidity by drawing moisture from the air. But if the fan is constantly on, it’s more difficult for moisture to drip from the condenser externally.

Air Conditioner Fan Set to “Auto”

This is the most energy-efficient setting, because the fan will only work when your air conditioner does. It’s ideal if your home always feels pleasant, whichever spot you’re in.

There are a few disadvantages to using the auto setting. You might experience hot and cold spots in your home and decreased air quality. This is because air isn’t continuously being distributed or being constantly filtrated.

That said, you’ll use a lower amount of energy and won’t need to get a new air filter as regularly. Both are savings that can tally up during the year, so you’ll have to think over what’s right for your needs.

If you’re having home comfort issues during warm weather, Kapaun & Brown can help. We have a wide range of energy-efficient air conditioners that can keep your residence comfier while also helping you save more on electricity costs. Many can be partnered with the latest smart home technology, allowing you to monitor and change home comfort settings while you’re gone.

To learn more about how we can make your home more pleasant, contact us at 641-812-2028 today.