Once the weather is cooling off, you are probably thinking about how you’ll take full advantage of your heating and cooling. After all, HVAC bills routinely contribute a significant portion of your monthly electric bill. To figure out new ways to save, some owners look closer at their thermostat. Could there be a setting they can use to increase efficiency?

The majority of thermostats include both a ‘Fan’ or ‘Fan On’ setting. But if the fan is running during a regular cycle, what does the fan setting offer for the HVAC system? This guide can help. We’ll share just what the fan setting is and whether you can use it to reduce costs in the summer or winter.

How Do I Access the Fan Setting on My Thermostat?

For the bulk of thermostats, the fan setting signifies that the air handler’s blower fan remains on. Certain furnaces can operate at a low level with this setting, but in general heating or cooling isn’t being produced. The ‘Auto’ setting, on the other hand, will run the fan through a heating or cooling cycle and shut it off when the cycle is finished.

There are advantages and disadvantages to using the fan setting on your thermostat, and the ideal option {will|can|should]] depend on your distinct comfort requirements.

Advantages to utilizing the Fan/On setting:

  • You can keep the temperature in every room more uniform by allowing the fan to keep generating airflow.
  • Indoor air quality can increase because continuous airflow will keep passing airborne contaminants through the air filter.
  • Fewer start-stop cycles for the blower fan helps expand its life span. Since the air handler is often a component of the furnace, this means you could prevent the need for furnace repair.

Drawbacks to utilizing the Fan/On setting:

  • A nonstop fan will likely add to your energy costs slightly.
  • Constant airflow could clog your air filter soon, increasing the frequency you should replace it.

{Choosing Between|Should My Thermostat Be on|Which Setting for My Thermostat? Fan or Auto in Summer/Winter

During the summer, warm air may persist in unfinished spaces including 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, pushing the HVAC system to run longer to preserve the desired temperature. In extreme heat, this could lead to needing AC repair more quickly as wear and tear grows.

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

If you’re still trying to figure out if you should switch to the fan/on setting, keep in mind that every home and family’s comfort needs are not the same. Leaving the HVAC system’s fan on could work for you if:

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

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