As the weather is cooling off, you might be concerned about how you’ll prepare your heating and cooling. After all, HVAC expenses can contribute a large portion of your monthly electric bill. To figure out new ways to save, some homeowners look closely at their thermostat. Could there be a setting they could use to boost efficiency?

The majority of thermostats come with a ‘Fan’ or ‘Fan On’ setting. But if the fan is on during a regular cycle, what will the fan setting offer for the HVAC system? This guide should help. We’ll walk through precisely what the fan setting is and when 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 means that the system’s blower fan stays on. Certain furnaces will run at a low level in this setting, but for the most part heating or cooling isn’t being produced. The ‘Auto’ setting, in contrast, will start the fan through a heating or cooling cycle and shut it off after the cycle is complete.

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

Advantages to trying the Fan/On setting:

  • You can keep the temperature in every room more consistent by permitting the fan to keep running.
  • Indoor air quality should improve because steady airflow will keep forcing airborne pollutants through the air filter.
  • A smaller amount of start-stop cycles for the blower fan helps lengthen its life span. As the air handler is usually connected to the furnace, this means you could prevent the need for furnace repair.

Downsides to utilizing the Fan/On setting:

  • A constant fan can raise your energy expenses slightly.
  • Continuous airflow could clog your air filter in a shorter amount of time, 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

In the summer, warm air will sometimes persist in unfinished spaces like the attic or an attached garage. If you leave the fan on, your HVAC system might pull this warm air into the rest of your home, compelling the HVAC system to work harder to keep up with the set temperature. In extreme heat, this can lead to needing AC repair more regularly as wear and tear gets worse.

The opposite can happen in the winter. Cooler spaces like a basement will hold onto cooler air, which can eventually drift into the rest of your home. Leaving the fan running may pump more cold air upward, increasing the amount of heating you need to remain 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 will vary. Leaving the HVAC system’s fan on might work for you if:

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

Your home has hot and cold spots. Many homes wrestle with persistent hot and cold spots that quickly evolve to a temperature different from the rest of the house. The fan setting might help limit these changes by constantly refreshing each room’s supply of air.