As the weather starts to cool off, you might be concerned about how you’ll prepare your heating and cooling. After all, HVAC costs frequently make up a large chunk of your monthly electric bill. To figure out new ways to save, some homeowners look closely at their thermostat. Maybe there’s a setting they could use to increase efficiency?

The majority of thermostats have a ‘Fan’ or ‘Fan On’ setting. But if the fan is running during a regular cycle, what can the fan setting offer for the HVAC system? This guide will help. We’ll share what exactly the fan setting is and whether you can use it to cut costs in the summer or winter.

Should I Use My Thermostat's Fan Setting?

For the bulk of thermostats, the fan setting signifies that the system's blower fan remains on. Some furnaces may continue to operate at a low level with this setting, but in general heating or cooling isn’t being produced. The ‘Auto’ setting, in contrast, will turn on the fan during a heating or cooling cycle and turn it off after the cycle is finished.

There are benefits and drawbacks to trying the fan setting on your thermostat, and what's ideal {will|can|should]] depend on your personal comfort requirements.

Advantages to switching to the Fan/On setting:

  • You can keep the temperature throughout your home more uniform by allowing the fan to keep generating airflow.
  • Indoor air quality should improve because continuous airflow will keep forcing airborne pollutants into the air filter.
  • Fewer start-stop cycles for the blower fan helps lengthen its life span. Because the air handler is usually part of the furnace, this means you might prevent the need for furnace repair.

Disadvantages to utilizing the Fan/On setting:

  • A continuous fan could raise your energy bills by a small margin.
  • Nonstop airflow may clog your air filter soon, increasing the frequency you will want to 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 can stick around in unfinished spaces like the attic or an attached garage. If you use the fan setting, your HVAC system may gradually move this warm air into the rest of your home, compelling the HVAC system to run longer to maintain the desired temperature. In serious heat, this can result in needing AC repair more quickly as wear and tear gets worse.

The opposite can take place in the winter. Cooler spaces like a basement will hold onto cooler air, which can eventually make its way into the rest of your home. Leaving the fan running will sometimes pump more cold air upward, increasing the amount of heating you need to stay warm.

If you’re still trying to decide if you should try the fan/on setting, don’t forget that every home and family’s comfort needs are different. Leaving the HVAC system’s fan on might work for you if:

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

Your home deals with hot and cold spots. Many homes deal with persistent hot and cold spots that quickly shift to a temperature different from the rest of the house. The fan setting should help minimize these changes by consistently refreshing each room’s airflow.