As the weather is cooling off, you are probably concerned about how you’ll prepare your heating and cooling. After all, HVAC costs routinely add up to a big piece of your monthly electric bill. To try and find ways to reduce costs, some people take a closer look at their thermostat. Maybe there’s a setting they should use to improve efficiency?

The bulk of thermostats come with a ‘Fan’ or ‘Fan On’ setting. But if the fan is going during a typical cycle, what does the fan setting offer for the HVAC system? This guide will help. We’ll walk through precisely what the fan setting is and how you can use it to save money during the summer or winter.

What Is the Fan Setting on My Thermostat?

For the majority of thermostats, the fan setting signifies that the HVAC blower fan remains on. Certain furnaces will operate at a low level with this setting, but for the most part heating or cooling isn’t being produced. The ‘Auto’ setting, on the other hand, will turn on the fan over a heating or cooling cycle and shut it off when the cycle is over.

There are benefits and drawbacks to trying the fan setting on your thermostat, and the ideal option {will|can|should]] depend on your distinct comfort preferences.

Advantages to switching to the Fan/On setting:

  • You can keep the temperature throughout your home more balanced by allowing the fan to keep circulating air.
  • Indoor air quality can increase because steady airflow will keep forcing airborne pollutants into the air filter.
  • Fewer start-stop cycles for the HVAC fan helps extend its life span. Since the air handler is usually a component of the furnace, this means you can prevent the need for furnace repair.

Disadvantages to utilizing the Fan/On setting:

  • A continuous fan will likely add to your energy bills somewhat.
  • Continuous airflow can clog your air filter soon, increasing the frequency you should replace it.

{Choosing Between|Should My Thermostat Be on|Which Setting for My Thermostat? Fan or Auto in Each Season

During the summer, warm air may stick around in unfinished spaces including the attic or an attached garage. If you use the fan setting, your HVAC system might draw this warm air into the rest of your home, pushing the HVAC system to work harder to keep up with the set temperature. In extreme heat, this may result in needing AC repair more regularly as wear and tear gets worse.

The opposite can take place over the winter. Cooler spaces like a basement will hold onto cooler air, which will eventually flow into the rest of your home. Leaving the fan setting on will sometimes pump more cold air upward, increasing the amount of heating you need to remain warm.

If you’re still trying to determine if you should try the fan/on setting, remember that every home and family’s comfort needs will vary. Leaving the HVAC system’s fan on might be best for you if:

Someone in your household has allergies. Allergies and other respiratory conditions can be tough on the family. Leaving the fan on should help to enhance indoor air quality, helping your family breathe easier.

Your home has hot and cold spots. Many homes wrestle with difficult hot and cold spots that quickly shift to a temperature different from the rest of the house. The fan setting can help minimize these changes by constantly refreshing each room’s ventilation.