As the weather starts to cool off, you might be wondering about how you’ll make the most of your heating and cooling. After all, HVAC costs can contribute a big portion of your monthly electric bill. To figure out new ways to save, some homeowners look closely at their thermostat. Could there be a setting they can use to improve efficiency?

The majority of thermostats come with a ‘Fan’ or ‘Fan On’ setting. But if the fan is on during a regular cycle, what will the fan setting provide for an HVAC system? This guide should help. We’ll share what exactly the fan setting is and whether you can use it to reduce costs over the summer or winter.

My Thermostat Has a Fan Setting?

For the majority of thermostats, the fan setting indicates that the system’s blower fan keeps running. Some furnaces can run at a low level with this setting, but in most cases heating or cooling isn’t being generated. The ‘Auto’ setting, on the other hand, will start the fan through a heating or cooling cycle and turn it off once the cycle is finished.

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

Advantages to switching to the Fan/On setting:

  • You can keep the temperature throughout your home more balanced by allowing the fan to keep generating airflow.
  • Indoor air quality can increase as steady airflow will keep moving airborne pollutants into the air filter.
  • A smaller amount of start-stop cycles for the blower fan helps expand its life span. Because the air handler is typically part of the furnace, this means you might minimize the risk of needing furnace repair.

Downsides to utilizing the Fan/On setting:

  • A constant fan will likely add to your energy costs somewhat.
  • Constant airflow can clog your air filter in a shorter amount of time, increasing the frequency you should replace it.

Which Setting for My Thermostat? Fan or Auto in Summer/Winter

During the summer, warm air may persist in unfinished spaces like the attic or an attached garage. If you keep the fan running, your HVAC system may pull this warm air into the rest of your home, pushing the HVAC system to run longer to maintain the set temperature. In severe heat, this could lead to needing AC repair more often as wear and tear gets worse.

The reverse can take place in the winter. Cooler spaces such as a basement will hold onto cooler air, which may eventually make its way into the rest of your home. Keeping the fan on may pump more cold air upward, increasing the amount of heating you need to stay warm.

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

Someone in your household has allergies. Allergies and other respiratory conditions can be hard on the family. Leaving the fan on can help to enhance indoor air quality, helping your family breathe easier.

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