During the hot weather, operating your air conditioning can be your largest monthly utility expense. So, it’s given that you’re checking for approaches to consume less energy. That could include trying an energy-efficient AC setting or even stepping up to an ENERGY STAR®-rated unit with air conditioner installation. Regulating your air conditioning’s fan setting is an additional way you can save money. Your air conditioner works with a fan to dispatch the chilled air it creates. You control this fan at your thermostat by changing it to “auto,” which means the fan will only work when the air conditioner is cooling. Or you can adjust it to “on,” which means it will work continuously. Does putting your AC on “fan” save energy in Rapid City? Not necessarily. Usually, operating your air conditioner’s fan all the time is going to drive up your energy bill slightly. But it also offers a few pluses (and downsides) as far as your home’s comfort. Here’s why.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “On”
Having your air conditioner’s fan run continuously can better equalize your family’s comfort. This is great if you have a two-story house, since areas upstairs can be hotter. It’s also great if you have difficulties with uneven cooling because of hot and cold spots. It’s also good if one of your family members has been diagnosed with allergies, asthma or other respiratory issues. That’s due to the fact the air is consistently being dispersed and filtered. On the other hand, you may have to replace your air filters more frequently. Having the fan on constantly can also make your energy bills more expensive. It could also result in the fan wearing out prematurely and need air conditioning repair. Your residence may also seem more humid. Air conditioning helps manage humidity by clearing water from the air. But if the fan is continuously working, it’s more difficult for moisture to drain from the condenser outdoors.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “Auto”
This is the highest energy-efficient setting, because the fan will only work when your air conditioner does. It’s ideal if your residence always appears pleasant, whichever spot you’re in. There are a few drawbacks to using the auto setting. You might run into hot and cold areas in your home and lower air quality. This is because air isn’t continuously flowing or being continuously purified. On the other hand, you’ll use a lower amount of energy and won’t need to switch your air filter as often. Both are savings that can add up over the year, so you’ll have to think about what’s ideal for your home. If you’re having home comfort issues during warm weather, Street Heating and Cooling can help. We have a large range of energy-efficient air conditioners that can keep your home more pleasant while also helping you save more on electricity costs. Many also work with the latest smart home technology, allowing you to monitor and change temperature settings while you’re gone. To discover more about how we can make your house more comfy, contact us at 605-206-3915 now.