As the weather begins to cool off, you are probably wondering about how you’ll prepare your heating and cooling. After all, HVAC costs can add up to a significant piece of your monthly electric bill. To figure out new ways to reduce costs, some homeowners take a closer look at their thermostat. Maybe there’s a setting they can use to increase efficiency?

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

What Is the Fan Setting on My Thermostat?

For the majority of thermostats, the fan setting means that the HVAC blower fan remains on. Certain furnaces will run at a low level in this setting, but for the most part heating or cooling isn’t being generated. The ‘Auto’ setting, in contrast, will run the fan over a heating or cooling cycle and turn it off when the cycle is finished.

There are pros and cons to using the fan setting on your thermostat, and the ideal option {will|can|should]] depend on your unique comfort needs.

Advantages to switching to the Fan/On setting:

  • You can keep the temperature throughout your home more balanced by permitting the fan to keep circulating air.
  • Indoor air quality will be highest as continuous airflow will keep forcing airborne particles through the air filter.
  • A smaller amount of start-stop cycles for the blower fan helps expand its life span. Because the air handler is usually a component of the furnace, this means you might prevent the need for furnace repair.

Downsides to switching to the Fan/On setting:

  • A constant fan can increase your energy bills slightly.
  • Nonstop airflow could clog your air filter soon, increasing the frequency you should replace it.

Should My Thermostat Be on Fan or Auto in Summer/Winter

Through the summer, warm air can persist in unfinished spaces like the attic or an attached garage. If you leave the fan on, your HVAC system may gradually move this warm air into the rest of your home, forcing the HVAC system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. In severe heat, this could result in needing AC repair more regularly as wear and tear increases.

The opposite can take place in the winter. Cooler spaces like a basement will hold onto cooler air, which may eventually flow into the rest of your home. Leaving the fan running may draw more cold air upward, increasing the amount of heating you need to remain warm.

If you’re still trying to determine if you should switch to the fan/on setting, keep in mind that every home and family’s comfort needs will vary. Leaving the HVAC system’s fan on might be ideal for you if:

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

Your home deals with hot and cold spots. Lots of homes wrestle with stubborn 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 consistently refreshing each room’s airflow.