During the high temperatures, operating your air conditioning can be your highest monthly utility charge. So, it’s only natural that you’re seeking ways to save. That can include trying an energy-efficient AC setting or even upgrading to an ENERGY STAR®-rated system during air conditioner installation. Regulating your air conditioning’s fan setting is a second way you can spend less money. Your air conditioner relies on a fan to dispatch the cold air it creates. You adjust this fan at your thermostat by setting it to “auto,” which means the fan will only work when the air conditioner is working. Or you can set it to “on,” which signifies it will work continuously. Does putting your AC on “fan” save energy in Bend? Not necessarily. Typically, using your air conditioner’s fan all day is going to make your energy bill slightly higher. But it also offers a few perks (and drawbacks) as far as your home’s comfort. Here’s why.

Air Conditioner Fan Set to “On”

Having your air conditioner’s fan run all the time can better balance your house’s comfort. This is great if you have a two-story home, since spaces upstairs can be more hot. It’s also good if you have problems with unbalanced cooling because of hot and cold spaces. It’s also good if one of your loved ones has allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems. That’s because the air is continuously being circulated and filtrated. However, you may have to replace your air filters more often. Having the fan on all the time can also drive up your energy bills. It could also make the fan wear out faster and need air conditioning repair. Your residence may also feel more humid. Air conditioning helps balance humidity by extracting water from the air. But if the fan is constantly working, it’s challenging for moisture to flow from the condenser outside.

Air Conditioner Fan Set to “Auto”

This is the highest energy-efficient setting, since the fan will only work when your air conditioner does. It’s great if your home always feels pleasant, regardless of which area you’re in. There are a few disadvantages to using the auto setting. You may experience hot and cold locations in your residence and decreased air quality. This is due to the fact air isn’t continuously being distributed or being constantly filtrated. That said, you’ll use a lower amount of energy and won’t be required to get a new air filter as regularly. Both are savings that can add up throughout the year, so you’ll have to think about what’s ideal for your needs. If you’re experiencing home comfort issues during warm weather, Tri County Climate Control LLC can assist you. We sell a substantial range of energy-efficient air conditioners that can keep your residence comfortable while also helping you save more on electrical costs. Many can be partnered with the latest smart home technology, allowing you to oversee and adjust home comfort settings while on the go. To hear more about how we can make your residence more comfortable, contact us at 541-238-2797 now.