Is it better to leave the thermostat on auto or on?

Author: Mariah Beahan  |  Last update: Friday, August 22, 2025

Choose "AUTO" for energy savings and "ON" if you want constant air circulation or improved air filtration. Temperatures can soar or plummet depending on the time of year. Throughout the year, it is important to have reliable heating and cooling systems in order to keep your home supplied with cool or warm air.

Should I leave my thermostat on auto or on?

Keeping your thermostat in the AUTO position means less overall energy is being used—and that reduces your utility bills considerably. Not only that, your air filter will last longer than they will if you leave your fan running continuously—in other words, if you leave it in the “on” position.

What are the disadvantages of auto mode in AC?

AUTO Setting Disadvantages
  • Hot and Cold Spots. The air distribution throughout the house may be uneven, leaving some areas colder than others. ...
  • Limited Air Circulation. ...
  • Blower Fan Wear and Tear.

What is the difference between auto and on thermostat?

AUTO means that the fan turns on automatically only when your system is heating or cooling air. Once the thermostat reaches the desired temperature, the entire system shuts off until the next cycle. ON means that the fan is constantly on and blowing air when your HVAC system is not heating or cooling air.

Is it better to turn off AC or leave it on auto?

Energy Efficiency

AUTO is significantly more energy efficient between the two modes since the fan is only running when your AC is going through its cooling cycle.

Should Thermostat Fan be Set to AUTO or ON?

Should I set my AC to on or auto?

Setting your thermostat to auto will allow your system to be more energy-efficient since the fan only runs when the system cycles on, not continuously.

What is the best temperature for AC to save money?

According to the Department of Energy1, 78° Fahrenheit is the sweet spot for air conditioners to balance energy savings and comfort when people are at home and need cooling.

What mode should my thermostat be on?

You'll want to have your thermostat set to heat mode in the wintertime and air conditioner auto mode in the summertime. In order for your system to run on auto mode, you'll need to have either the heat mode or cool mode on. This way, your thermostat knows whether to turn on the furnace or the air conditioner modes.

Does auto mode in AC save electricity?

Yes, Auto mode is intended to save energy. The air conditioner can conserve energy and save you money on your energy bills by automatically adjusting the temperature and fan speed based on the ambient conditions and the presence of people in the room.

What is auto on and off on a thermostat?

The AUTO setting cycles on and off, which allows moisture from the AC's cooling coils to drip outside, away from your home. Less moisture trapped in the air means your system doesn't have to work so hard. Hands-off operation: One of the main benefits of thermostat AUTO vs ON settings is that AUTO is automatic.

What happens if I put my AC on auto mode?

Once you select auto mode, the AC unit will use its built-in thermostat to monitor the indoor temperature and adjust the cooling cycle accordingly. The air conditioner will turn on and off as needed, ensuring that your home stays at a consistent temperature without you having to manually adjust the settings.

Is it more cost effective to keep AC on auto?

But using the AUTO setting with a reasonable set temperature will keep your energy costs low, especially if you turn your unit off when you're away from home or asleep.

Should I use cool or auto in AC?

Auto mode is similar to cool mode as the AC unit will work to cool the air down. However, unlike cool mode, once the room reaches the set temperature, both the compressor and fan switch off. This mode is another ideal mode for saving energy and money as once everything is switched off no electricity is used.

Why is my AC constantly running on auto?

The Short Answer Is: When your air conditioning system keeps running and never seems to shut off, the problem could be linked to a number of malfunctioning components – frozen evaporator coils, a clogged air filter, a bad electrical relay switch that needs to be replaced, the fan blowing constantly, dirty condenser ...

What does auto mean on a Honeywell thermostat?

• AUTO (automatic) mode

Automatic mode sets the thermostat to follow the temperature program.

Should I keep my thermostat fan on or auto for humidity?

Leaving your AC fan set to ON allows the moisture in your home to accumulate and reach mold-growing levels of humidity. To ensure that you and your family stay cool and healthy this summer, keep your AC thermostat fan setting to AUTO.

Is it better to leave AC on auto or on?

As we stated in a few sections above, it's very important to keep your air conditioner's fan on the auto setting. Some of the reasons behind this choice include: Lowered energy consumption: When your air conditioner's fan is set on auto, it will only run as needed.

Which mode is best for AC in summer?

Cool mode: Ideal for hot days, this mode reduces the room temperature to your desired setting. Dry mode: Perfect for humid conditions, this mode removes excess moisture from the air without significantly reducing the temperature.

Should I run my AC on auto?

As a rule, keeping your AC fan setting on auto can save money. Because you're not running the fan all the time, you consume less energy over time. Less energy consumption translates into lower utility bills. The amount of savings depends on the air conditioner and the season.

What is the healthiest thermostat setting?

We recommend the following as the best thermostat settings:
  • For warmer times, set your thermostat at 78° F during daytime. Set it to 86° F if you leave the house.
  • For cooler times, set your thermostat to 68° F while you're at home and awake. Lower it to 65° F when you sleep.

Should I keep the fan on or auto?

Choose "AUTO" for energy savings and "ON" if you want constant air circulation or improved air filtration. Temperatures can soar or plummet depending on the time of year.

What mode should I keep my AC on?

Eco or energy-saving mode

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. Eco-mode uses less electricity by automatically adjusting the fan speed and temperature, while still maintaining a comfortable level of cooling.

Is 72 too cold for AC?

While the standard room temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit is commonly favored by many, others argue for higher settings, particularly when it's hotter outside.

What should I set my AC to in summer?

What is the Best Thermostat Setting for Summer Air Conditioner Use? Energy Star recommends the following thermostat temperatures for your air conditioner in the summer: 78°F during the day if people are home. 82°F at night if people are home.

What is the cheapest temperature to keep your house?

Energy.gov suggests that 68 degrees is a good room temperature while you're awake at home but recommends lowering it while you're asleep or away. Lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day can reduce your annual heating expenses by as much as 10 percent.

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