During the hot weather, running your air conditioning can be your highest monthly electricity expense. So, it’s normal that you’re looking for approaches to use less energy. That might entail using an energy-efficient AC setting or even making the switch to an ENERGY STAR®-rated unit during air conditioner installation.

Switching your air conditioning’s fan setting is another way you can spend less money.

Your air conditioner works with a fan to deliver the cool air it produces. You adjust this fan at your thermostat by changing it to “auto,” which signifies the fan will only run when the air conditioner is going. Or you can switch it to “on,” which indicates it will be on all the time.

Does putting your AC on “fan” save energy in Rapid City? Not always. Generally, using your air conditioner’s fan all the time is going to make your energy bill slightly higher.

But it also has a few pluses (and disadvantages) when it comes to your family’s comfort. Here’s why.

Air Conditioner Fan Set to “On”

Having your air conditioner’s fan operate continuously can better equalize your home’s comfort. This is ideal if you own a two-story home, since areas upstairs can be more hot. It’s also great if you have issues with unbalanced cooling because of hot and cold rooms.

It’s also beneficial if one of your loved ones has been diagnosed with allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems. That’s because the air is continuously being distributed and filtrated. On the other hand, you may have to put in new air filters more often.

Having the fan on all day can also make your energy bills more expensive. It could also result in the fan wearing out prematurely and need air conditioning repair.

Your home may also seem more humid. Air conditioning helps balance humidity by extracting water from the air. But if the fan is constantly on, it’s more difficult for moisture to drain from the condenser externally.

Air Conditioner Fan Set to “Auto”

This is the best energy-efficient setting, as the fan will only operate when your air conditioner does. It’s good if your home always appears pleasant, whichever area you’re in.

There are a few disadvantages to using the auto setting. You might run into hot and cold areas in your residence and decreased air quality. This is due to the fact air isn’t continuously being distributed or being continuously filtered.

On the flip side, you’ll need a lower amount of energy and won’t need to get a new air filter as often. Both are savings that can add up throughout the year, so you’ll have to think over what’s best for your home.

If you’re running into home comfort issues during hot weather, Street Heating and Cooling can assist you. We offer a large range of energy-efficient air conditioners that can keep your home comfortable while also helping you save more on electricity bills. Many are also compatible with the latest smart home technology, giving you the ability to monitor and change temp settings while you’re gone.

To find out more about how we can make your house more comfy, contact us at 605-206-3915 today.