Should I Set My Thermostat Fan to Auto or On?

Your home’s thermostat is the key to controlling your heating and cooling systems. Knowing how the fan setting on your thermostat works can help you select the best option for you at any given time. And that can help you optimize your comfort and energy use while lowering your monthly energy bills.

What Does the Fan Setting on My Thermostat Do?

The fan setting on your thermostat controls your system’s blower, which distributes air throughout your home. There are two settings on your thermostat to control the fan — auto or on.

The “On” Fan Setting on Your Thermostat

Selecting the “on” thermostat setting for your system’s fan tells the fan to operate all the time. This means that the fan will continuously run, independent of your heating and cooling cycles.

As the fan continuously runs, air is always being filtered through the system. This can result in:

• Improved indoor air quality: Contaminants and particles in the air will be filtered out at a higher frequency than if the fan only ran during heating and cooling cycles. This can result in better indoor air quality.
• More frequent filter changes: As air contaminants and particles are filtered out of the air, the furnace filter will become clogged more quickly than if the fan ran on “auto.” So, keeping the fan “on” at all times will mean that you need to change the filter more often.
• More even temperatures indoors: A constantly running fan can help distribute the air from your system more evenly throughout the home, eliminating any especially hot and cold spots you may have in your home or business.
• More energy use: A fan that is constantly running will be using energy all of the time. This can mean higher energy bills month to month, as well as more frequent maintenance and repairs because your system is being heavily used.

The “Auto” Fan Setting on Your Thermostat

When you select your thermostat’s “auto” fan setting, the system fan will only operate during heating and cooling cycles. So, once the target indoor temperature is met, the thermostat will signal the heating or cooling system, as well as the fan, to turn “off.”

With the “auto” fan setting, you can expect to conserve energy and lower energy bills (because your system fan is not constantly running and constantly using energy). This setting will also reduce the wear and tear on your fan, which can mean less frequent breakdowns and repairs.

How To Find the Right Balance

To balance comfort and energy efficiency with your system fan, we suggest turning your fan to:

• “Auto” while your home is unoccupied to save energy
• “On” when you’re home to enjoy optimal comfort

To get the best of both worlds without constantly flipping a switch, upgrade to a variable speed air handler. These systems automatically adjust to various speeds, depending on the required airflow. That can conserve electricity while providing the comfort of consistent fan operation.

If you’re ready to upgrade your thermostat or HVAC equipment or if it’s time for repairs and service, don’t hesitate to contact the trusted HVAC technicians and installers at Parker’s Heating & Cooling today! Call or email us. We are ready to help you with all of your residential and commercial HVAC needs!

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