During the hot weather, using your air conditioning can be your highest monthly electricity expense. So, it’s given that you’re seeking ways to save. That could entail trying an energy-efficient AC setting or even stepping up to an ENERGY STAR®-rated model with air conditioner installation.
Regulating your air conditioning’s fan setting is another way you can conserve money.
Your air conditioner works with a fan to distribute the cold air it creates. You control this fan at your thermostat by switching it to “auto,” which signifies the fan will only work when the air conditioner is operating. Or you can set it to “on,” which indicates it will be on constantly.
Does putting your AC on “fan” save energy in Los Angeles? Not always. Usually, running your air conditioner’s fan all day is going to make your energy bill slightly higher.
But it also has a few pluses (and disadvantages) as far as your family’s comfort. Here’s why.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “On”
Having your air conditioner’s fan run all day can better stabilize your home’s comfort. This is ideal if you own a two-story home, since rooms upstairs can be hotter. It’s also good if you have issues with inconsistent cooling due to hot and cold areas.
It’s also beneficial if one of your family members has allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems. That’s because the air is consistently being circulated and purified. On the other hand, you may have to put in new air filters more often.
Having the fan on constantly can also drive up your energy bills. It could also make the fan wear out sooner and need air conditioning repair.
Your house may also seem more moist. Air conditioning helps balance humidity by extracting water from the air. But if the fan is continually running, it’s harder for moisture to drain from the condenser externally.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “Auto”
This is the highest energy-efficient setting, as the fan will only go when your air conditioner does. It’s good if your home always feels comfy, regardless of which area you’re in.
There are a few disadvantages to using the auto setting. You could have hot and cold spots in your house and lower air quality. This is due to the fact air isn’t constantly being distributed or being continuously filtered.
That said, you’ll consume a lower amount of energy and won’t need to get a new air filter as frequently. Both are savings that can tally up throughout the year, so you’ll have to think over what’s right for your household.
If you’re experiencing home comfort difficulties during warm weather, AZ Air Conditioning and Heating can support you. We offer a large range of energy-efficient air conditioners that can keep your residence more pleasant while also helping you save more on energy bills. Many are also compatible with the latest smart home technology, allowing you to monitor and change home comfort settings while on the go.
To learn more about how we can make your family more comfy, contact us at 800-296-5088 right away.