Leaving the fan on 24/7 ensures cleaner air, as the air is pulled through the filtration or UV light system. This can be better for people with allergies.
They should not be left on all the time. Some of the more advanced thermostats might use the fan to better circulate the air post-AC or heat running or pre-cool the home a little by running the fan. But in normal operation, it only runs with the furnace or AC does.
All in all, it is better to leave your air conditioner's fan on auto, instead of “On” at all times. However, even though it's recommended to leave your home's AC on auto, there are some beneficial times to keep it switched on. In these following situations, it may be best to have your AC switched on.
You can expect a more considerable maintenance burden if you run the fan continuously, even if you're running the AC fan without cooling. The filter will clog sooner, and the mechanical parts need more frequent attention to avoid breakdowns.
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.
It only makes you FEEL cooler because it's moving air over your skin, carrying the heat away from your body. This is the wind chill factor you hear on the Weather Channel so often. So it's doing nothing to lower the temperature in your home, meaning your A/C will run just as long whether the fan is on or not.
Saving money is one of the most obvious reasons to not keep the air conditioner fan on all the time. As you've probably guessed, when it's continuously in operation, it uses up a lot of energy. As a result, you could pay hundreds of dollars more in energy bills each year than you otherwise would.
The AC uses less energy in fan mode than when cooling. But running the fan all the time can increase the amount of maintenance your HVAC system might need. That's because the filter can clog up sooner and mechanical wear and tear can accelerate.
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.
Therefore, the fan uses about 360 kWh per month in the ON mode. The average kWh in the US costs about $0.12 so it costs about $43 per month, or about $520 per year, to run a fan continuously. At this point, it should be pretty obvious that AUTO costs less than ON but let's math it out to its logical conclusion.
Compared to the ON setting, the AUTO setting gives you benefits such as: Lower energy consumption. In AUTO mode, the blower fan only runs when necessary, which cuts down your AC system's energy usage. Reduced wear and tear on AC components.
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.
First, check your filters and coils for dirt and debris that may be impeding airflow. Once you've cleaned the filters and coils, run the air conditioner with just the fan so that the ice accumulation can melt off. If the AC still doesn't blow cold air, it could be that refrigerant levels are too low.
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. 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.
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.
The central downside of running your fan continuously is the potential for a rising energy bill each month. Running the fan constantly uses a bit more energy, as you might expect, and this can increase your utility bill.
Say hello to a sweaty, humidity-filled home! Not only that, but the blower is also running up your energy bill. So, when it doubt, leave your thermostat's fan setting to AUTO.
Dry mode helps dehumidify your home, making it more comfortable and reducing the exhaustion and perspiration that come with high humidity levels. By drawing out excess moisture, this feature creates a cosy living space that's easy on the body. Say goodbye to the discomfort of a humid environment.
Keeping the fan on creates a more even distribution of heating and cooling, circulating the air if you have cold or hot spots in your house, like a bedroom above a garage. Less frequent starts and stops of the fan can reduce the stress from startup, and potentially help extend it's lifespan.
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.
As long as the weather outside isn't excessively hot or humid, keeping your AC switched off while you sleep is a great way to reduce your energy costs. In fact, even in the nighttime temperatures are still in the 80s, this is still a good option as long as it isn't too humid outside.
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.
If you're running your AC fan 24/7, you should probably stop. You'll usually feel cooler if you let the fan turn off between cooling cycles. Why? Because when the AC finishes a cooling cycle, the unit's fan isn't just circulating air.
Your blower motor circulates air through the furnace and can provide uniform temperatures. Many people leave their HVAC fan on all day, while others opt for two to three cycles per hour, ranging from ten to 25 minutes, depending on how close to heating or cooling temperatures they are.