As the weather starts to cool off, you may be wondering about how you’ll make the most of your heating and cooling. After all, HVAC expenses can contribute a significant portion of your monthly electric bill. To learn new ways to save, some homeowners take a closer look at their thermostat. Maybe there’s a setting they can use to boost efficiency?

Most thermostats come with a ‘Fan’ or ‘Fan On’ setting. But if the fan is going during a regular cycle, what does the fan setting provide for your HVAC system? This guide can help. We’ll share precisely what the fan setting is and how you can use it to cut costs during the summer or winter.

My Thermostat Has a Fan Setting?

For the majority of thermostats, the fan setting means that the system’s blower fan remains on. Certain furnaces can generate heat at a low level with this setting, but in most cases heating or cooling isn’t being made. The ‘Auto’ setting, conversely, will turn on the fan through a heating or cooling cycle and shut it off when the cycle is over.

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

Advantages to trying the Fan/On setting:

  • You can keep the temperature in each room more uniform by enabling the fan to keep generating airflow.
  • Indoor air quality can increase as constant airflow will keep passing airborne pollutants through the air filter.
  • Fewer start-stop cycles for the blower fan helps extend its life span. Since the air handler is usually connected to the furnace, this means you could prevent the need for furnace repair.

Drawbacks to switching to the Fan/On setting:

  • A continuous fan can raise your energy costs slightly.
  • Constant airflow can clog your air filter soon, 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

Through the summer, warm air may persist in unfinished spaces like the attic or an attached garage. If you use the fan setting, your HVAC system may gradually move this warm air into the rest of your home, compelling the HVAC system to work harder to keep up with the set temperature. In severe heat, this may lead to needing AC repair more quickly as wear and tear gets worse.

The reverse can occur during the winter. Cooler spaces such as a basement will hold onto cooler air, which may eventually drift into the rest of your home. Keeping the fan on could draw more cold air upward, increasing the amount of heating you need to keep warm.

If you’re still trying to decide if you should use the fan/on setting, don’t forget that every home and family’s comfort needs will vary. Leaving the HVAC system’s fan on could be best for you if:

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

Your home has hot and cold spots. All kinds of homes deal with persistent hot and cold spots that quickly evolve to a temperature different from the rest of the house. The fan setting can help lessen these changes by constantly refreshing each room’s airflow.