Thermostat Settings Can Be Confusing for Homeowners: Which Setting is Better? On Versus Auto

Thermostat Setting: Which is Better? Do you set your fan to AUTO or ON?

AUTO means the fan turns on “automatically” ONLY when your system is heating or cooling your air based on the thermostat temperature setting that you set it for. So, when the thermostat reaches your temperature setting, the system, including the blower fan, shuts off. This is the most energy efficient option.

ON means the fan is CONSTANTLY blowing, even when your system isn’t working to heat or cool the air. This isn’t the most energy savings way to go, but it really depends on your comfort level and what you want in your home. Keeping the fan on also means more even distribution of heating and cooling because it’s circulating your air in your home.

Below are a few reasons why you should not use “on” all the time

1) Higher Energy Costs   – Keeping the fan ‘ON’ 24/7 gets EXPENSIVE

If you place your fan the “ON” position then your fan is always running so you’re using more energy. When the fan only runs when your system is heating or cooling which would be the setting of “AUTO”

2) Frequent Repairs (Possibly)

Setting the fan to “ON” will increase the wear and tear on your blower and lead to costly blower repairs.

3) Could Worsen Duct Leakage

Most homes leak about 10% of the supply air and 12% of the return air through their duct system, according to Energy Vanguard. So if the fan is blowing all the time, you’re always losing your conditioned air, running up your energy bills.

EcoMech Heating and Air will be glad to help you with your thermostat questions so give us a call today! 678-855-8140