Most thermostat settings are pretty straightforward. You either want it on “heat” or “cool,” and if you and your housemates agree which it should be, everyone is happy. However, there’s one thermostat setting that can cause some confusion: the “on” and “auto” setting for the HVAC system’s fan.
The reason it’s confusing is because both settings have their positives and negatives. The only way to decide which setting you should choose is to think about your heating and cooling priorities.
When to Use the Auto Setting
Let’s say that you want to maximize your energy efficiency and money savings. If that’s your biggest priority when using your HVAC system, the “auto” setting is your best option.
Instead of running the fan constantly, the “auto” setting only keeps the fan running when the A/C is cooling or the furnace is heating. Because there’s a downtime when energy isn’t being used, you save money.
In addition, during that downtime, air isn’t being pulled through your air filter. As a result, your filter doesn’t need to be changed as often, another money-saving feature.
When to Use the On Setting
No one wants to waste money, but it’s possible that you might prioritize comfort or better air filtration over energy savings. For example, some families have members with health concerns, allergies, or breathing problems that benefit from a more constant temperature and cleaner air.
If this is your situation, the “on” setting is your best option. Because the fan keeps your air constantly moving, it mixes hotter and colder air for a more even temperature. The air also moves through the filtration system more often, removing dust and allergens.
The Best of Both Worlds
If you want to save money and maximize comfort, you may want to look into a variable speed fan. The fan runs all the time, giving you the benefits of the “on” setting. However, it runs slower at specific times in its cycle, saving you money.
Need help figuring out your thermostat setting or other HVAC questions for your Dayton area home? Contact Ace Hardware Home Services today!
Our goal is to help educate our customers in about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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