Once the weather starts to cool off, you might be thinking about how you’ll make the most of your heating and cooling. After all, HVAC expenses routinely make up a big chunk of your monthly electric bill. To figure out new ways to save, some owners take a closer look at their thermostat. Is there a setting they could use to improve efficiency?

The majority of thermostats have a ‘Fan’ or ‘Fan On’ setting. But if the fan is on during a normal cycle, what can the fan setting provide for an HVAC system? This guide can help. We’ll review just what the fan setting is and when you can use it to save money during the summer or winter.

How Do I Access the Fan Setting on My Thermostat?

For most thermostats, the fan setting signifies that the air handler’s blower fan keeps running. A few furnaces can generate heat at a low level in this setting, but in general heating or cooling isn’t being made. The ‘Auto’ setting, on the other hand, will turn on the fan through a heating or cooling cycle and shut it off after the cycle is finished.

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

Advantages to trying the Fan/On setting:

  • You can keep the temperature in every room more balanced by allowing the fan to keep generating airflow.
  • Indoor air quality should improve as constant airflow will keep passing airborne pollutants into the air filter.
  • A smaller amount of start-stop cycles for the blower fan helps lengthen its life span. As the air handler is often part of the furnace, this means you can avoid needing furnace repair.

Drawbacks to switching to the Fan/On setting:

  • A continuous fan will likely add to your energy expenses somewhat.
  • Nonstop airflow can clog your air filter in a shorter amount of time, increasing the frequency you’ll need 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 will sometimes stick around in unfinished spaces like the attic or an attached garage. If you leave the fan on, your HVAC system can draw this warm air into the rest of your home, compelling the HVAC system to run longer to preserve the set temperature. In severe heat, this can lead to needing AC repair more quickly as wear and tear grows.

The reverse can take place over the winter. Cooler spaces such as a basement will hold onto cooler air, which can eventually drift into the rest of your home. Leaving the fan running will sometimes draw more cold air upward, increasing the amount of heating you need to stay warm.

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

Someone in your household deals with allergies. Allergies and other respiratory conditions can be tough on the family. Leaving the fan on is more likely to improve indoor air quality, helping your family breathe easier.

Your home has hot and cold spots. Lots of homes deal with stubborn 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 supply of air.