Should the AC fan be on auto or circulate?

Author: Clemmie Reichert  |  Last update: Thursday, August 14, 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.

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.

Is it better to have AC fan on auto or full?

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.

Should I keep my HVAC fan on my auto?

Pros for “Auto”: If you set your furnace fan to “auto,” the fan will only run when the system tells it to in order to keep your home as warm as you want it based on your thermostat settings. This means it's consuming less energy than when it runs non-stop, which means lower furnace bills.

What is the difference between circulate and auto on Honeywell?

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.

Should my thermostat fan be on auto or on?

Is it better to have the fan on or auto on thermostat?

"AUTO" is the more energy-efficient option, as it runs the fan only when heating or cooling is actively needed. "ON" keeps the fan running continuously, which can help with air circulation and filtration but may consume more energy.

What mode should my Honeywell thermostat be on?

Automatic mode sets the thermostat to follow the temperature program. Operating the thermostat in this mode is the best way to maintain a high level of temperature comfort whilst maximising your energy savings.

Which fan mode is best for AC?

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.

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 circ fans?

When you choose “auto,” the fan only runs when your air conditioner or furnace is running. The “circulate” (or Circ) setting will usually make the fan run about 35% of the time. The fan will operate when the fan is on and about 20 minutes of every hour otherwise.

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.

What is circulate mode on a Honeywell thermostat?

Depending on the make and model of your thermostat, there may be a middle ground between auto and on. Some thermostats allowing you to schedule fan runtimes throughout the day, say, 20 minutes each hour between heating or cooling cycles. Honeywell thermostats call this feature “Circ,” short for circulate.

Is it OK to run AC fan all the time?

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.

Is it good to circulate air with a fan?

They help improve comfort year-round by effectively circulating air throughout a room. Summer Use: Run ceiling fans counterclockwise to create a cooling breeze. Winter Use: Reverse the direction to clockwise and set to low speed to circulate warm air from the ceiling down to living spaces.

Why is AC not blowing cold air?

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.

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 run the AC on auto or fan?

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.

What is the difference between fan on and auto and circulate reddit?

On runs the fan continuously. Circulate periodically turns the fan on even if there's no demand for cooling or heating. Auto only runs the fan when there is a demand for cool or heat.

Is auto the best setting for AC?

In Summary. We recommend setting your thermostat to AUTO for the best balance of energy efficiency and comfort. If you are concerned about indoor air quality or suffer from allergies, the ON setting's increased air filtration could be beneficial.

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

“Auto” means that your fan will only run when your HVAC system is cycling. You'll feel airflow right after a cycle starts, and the fan will stop when the cycle ends. “Circulate” means the fan is always on but at a very low setting.

What mode should my AC be 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 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.

What is the difference between circulate and auto fan?

The fan always goes when heating/cooling (automatic) . It can also be set to run full time (on). When Circulate mode is chosen, the fan turns on to circulate the interior air 35% of the time that there is no call for heat or AC.

Should I use the circulate setting on my thermostat?

Yes, the circulate setting is effective year-round, helping distribute cool air efficiently in the summer and ensuring warm air reaches all areas of your home in the winter. In conclusion, using the circulate setting on your thermostat can significantly impact your comfort, air quality, and energy efficiency.

What is the best setting for fan on Honeywell thermostat?

The Auto position will allow the system fan to operate whenever the heating or cooling system is turned on by the thermostat. The fan will not blow air unless there is a call from the system. This is the normal setting for a system fan.

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