Energy Conservation: The fan mode is more energy-efficient than running the AC in cooling mode, helping to save on electricity costs. It circulates air without changing the temperature or humidity levels, using less power than the cooling mode.
While it is true that the fan alone uses less energy than the AC, leaving it on will almost certainly result in higher utility bills. Running the fan constantly also increases your system's maintenance needs. That's because the more you run the fan, the faster your filter will get clogged.
A typical AC fan motor uses about 500 watts when it's running.
The blower fan uses around 500 watts per hour to run. That's a huge difference! This is why running only the fan (regardless of which method you use) to help keep cool can save you significantly on your energy bills. Of course, the fan on its own doesn't have the cooling power of the air conditioner.
Eco or energy-saving mode
In case the name doesn't already give this one away, the eco-mode or energy-saving mode is designed to use less power. This is the ideal mode for users looking to save up on energy bills by toning down the performance of the AC and its compressor.
Run Continuously: Setting the fan to run continuously can help in evenly distributing air and maintaining a consistent room temperature. Extend AC Life: Using fan mode can reduce the wear and tear on the compressor, extending the lifespan of your AC unit.
Start by setting your thermostat higher than normal when you are away, and at 78 degrees when you are home. That is the Department of Energy's recommended setting when you need cooling, but want to save energy.
Some homeowners naturally worry about the risks of a breakdown if they run the fan all the time, but this will not be a concern for you if your HVAC system was properly installed and maintained.
When the California summer heat rolls in, pairing your AC with a ceiling fan is your best defense. By correctly setting the fan's direction, adjusting the thermostat, and a few other simple strategies, you can keep your home cool without driving up your energy bill.
This means, that in turn, when your setting is turned on auto less electricity is used. When your fan and air conditioner are running all the time, more electricity is produced. All in all, it is better to leave your air conditioner's fan on auto, instead of “On” at all times.
Typically, running your air conditioner's fan constantly is going to drive up your energy bill slightly.
Even with the AC off, running the fan helps circulate air. You might not need cooling, yet your house feels stuffy. Running the blower can increase ventilation without turning on the AC and consuming more electricity. That's if you don't keep the blower running for too long.
Setting the fan speed too low will usually cause the evaporator coil to freeze. If the fan speed is too high, it can cause the AC condenser to short-cycle or turn on and off constantly. This puts a huge amount of stress on the unit and also results in greatly increased energy costs.
Power Consumption: Fan Mode :
The AC is not producing cool air but you are getting improved ventilation which helps lower temperatures to some degree. An AC unit on Fan mode usually consumes about 150W with the fan running, while the AC unit consumes 1000W when on default or Cool mode.
Does it bring in fresh air? No, air conditioners do not bring in fresh air from the outside. That's not how they were designed. What actually happens is that your air conditioner uses a fan to draw air into the unit and disperse it through a structure.
Generally, running the fan for 15-20 minutes per hour is sufficient for adequate air circulation. However, longer fan run times may be necessary for specific conditions like hot and humid weather or improved air filtration.
Cons to Keeping Fan Continuously Running:
It could cost you hundreds of dollars a year. The average unit has a 500 watt fan, which uses almost as much energy over the course of the year as a refrigerator, resulting in a $50/month bill.
Your air conditioning system is one of the biggest culprits behind skyrocketing electric bills. When your air filter is dirty, refrigerant levels are low, your thermostat is faulty or you lack proper maintenance, your A/C system can end up using a lot more energy than it should.
The only trick is to set the temperature of the AC at 26 degrees Celsius. This will provide the same cooling effect as an AC, which is set at 22 degrees Celsius, without the interference of a fan. Apart from that, using fans with AC can also save up to 12–20 percent on electricity bills.
Consequences of Running Your Air Conditioner 24 Hours a Day
Wasted energy: Running the AC to cool your home beyond your comfort level wastes energy and contributes to an increased carbon footprint. This is bad news for the environment and your energy bills.
Cooling yourself with a fan vs. an air conditioner is significantly more energy efficient and cheaper. Fans use around 1% of the electricity consumed by air conditioners.
You can run your system's fan independently of heating or cooling. So your system doesn't need to be actively heating or cooling to run the fan. However, you can only run the fan when your thermostat is set to a temperature mode (like Cool mode, for example).
Many AC units come with a sleep mode or timer feature, allowing you to set a specific duration for the AC to run before shutting off automatically. According to the International Energy Agency, using these features can save up to 30% of the energy consumed by an air conditioner .
This is more of a personal question, as different people feel comfortable at different temperatures. Since 72 degrees is generally agreed upon to be an ideal indoor temperature, most people would probably still feel comfortable setting their AC units slightly higher than this, perhaps at around 75.
One great way to lower energy costs is to avoid cooling an empty house. This is especially true during the middle of the day. If everyone in your household is either at work or school, then turning the temperature to 78-80 degrees will save you a chunk of change when the energy bill arrives.