Is it better to run AC on fan or auto?

Author: Daren McCullough  |  Last update: Sunday, June 1, 2025

Keeping your fan on AUTO is the most energy-efficient option. The fan only runs when the system is on and not continuously. There is better dehumidification in your home during the summer months. When your fan is set to AUTO, moisture from cold cooling coils can drip and be drained outside.

When should I use my AC fan mode?

The fan mode in an air conditioner circulates air without cooling it. It's useful when you want to improve air circulation, reduce humidity, or simply have ventilation without changing the temperature.

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.

Is running AC on fan better than auto?

"ON" keeps the fan running continuously, which can help with air circulation and filtration but may consume more energy. 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.

Should the AC fan be on auto or circulate?

Auto = The fan turns on whenever the heat or AC is on. Fan = The fan is always on. The heat or AC cannot not turn on. Circulate = The fan is always on.

Should I set my thermostat fan to on or auto

Should I run my AC fan all the time?

Pros of Keeping Your Fan On

First, running fans contribute to even temperature distribution. This reduces the hot spots in your house. Hot spots occur when an area doesn't receive the same temperature-controlled air as other rooms. You'll also enjoy improved air quality in your home.

What is the difference between Circ and auto fan on a Honeywell thermostat?

Auto: Fan runs only when the heating or cooling system is on. On: Fan is always on. Circ: Fan runs randomly about 33% of the time. *The circulate option that allows you to set the fan to run a certain amount of time per hour.

Which mode is best for AC cool or auto?

Auto mode is ideal for homeowners who want to maintain a consistent temperature in their homes without having to constantly adjust the settings.

Is it cheaper to run fan mode on AC?

Energy Conservation: The fan mode is more energy-efficient than running the AC in cooling mode, helping to save on electricity costs.

Should I set my thermostat to auto or cool?

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.

Should the fan be on when AC is running?

It might be helpful to know that using the ceiling fan while the AC is running can actually help you save energy and money. By setting your thermostat up to 4 degrees higher while the ceiling fan is on, which helps to reduce the cost of running your unit, you can save up to 17 cents per hour.

What fan speed is best for cooling AC?

For your AC system to cool efficiently, the fan needs to be able to move a certain amount of air every minute. For every AC ton, you need between 350 to 400 cubic feet of air per minute (CFM), i.e. a 2.5-ton AC needs 875 to 1,000 CFM, a 5-ton AC needs 1,750 to 2,000 CFM, etc.

Is it better to leave AC on all day?

As it turns out, the most efficient way to keep your home cool and the bills low is to leave the AC running—ideally, with the temperature turned up toward the upper 70s.

Can I run my AC on fan only?

You can choose to run the fan continuously or only when the AC is on. This setting helps circulate air in your home, but it won't produce any new cold air.

Which mode is best for AC to save electricity?

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 auto fan speed good for AC?

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.

Is it better to leave AC fan on or auto?

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.

What is cheaper to run a fan or air conditioner?

A ceiling fan uses around 65 watts of electricity per hour – around 20 times less than a split system air conditioner and up to 100 times less than ducted air con. In terms of running costs, you should expect to pay around: 2 cents per hour for a ceiling fan. 33–40 cents per hour for a split system air conditioner.

What is the best fan setting for AC in summer?

Keeping your fan on AUTO is the most energy-efficient option. The fan only runs when the system is on and not continuously. There is better dehumidification in your home during the summer months. When your fan is set to AUTO, moisture from cold cooling coils can drip and be drained outside.

Should I run my AC on auto or cool?

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. This takes less power, which is more budget-friendly, with some estimates showing you can save as much as $50 per month just by keeping your AC on AUTO.

Which AC mode is best in summer?

WHAT IS THE BEST MODE FOR AC IN SUMMER? In summer, the best mode for your air conditioner is the "Cool" mode, set to a comfortable temperature around 78°F when you're home. This setting efficiently reduces indoor humidity and maintains a comfortable environment without overworking the AC system.

Is fan mode good for AC?

Utilizing the fan mode not only fosters a pleasant indoor ambiance but can also extend the lifespan of your air conditioning unit by reducing the load on its cooling mechanism.

Should I run my AC fan on auto or circulate?

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.

Should I put my thermostat on auto or fan?

Since the AUTO setting means the fan is only engaged when the system is on, rather than constantly blowing, AUTO is the most energy-efficient option between the two settings. This means you'll be using less energy and saving money on your electric bill by using the AUTO setting.

Does running the fan on my air conditioner use a lot of electricity?

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. During the summer months, the ducts in your attic and close to your walls can fill with warm air, resulting in the fan blowing hot air into your house.

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