Honeywell thermostats in particular have a fan selection called CIRC. This means it will run the fan for several minutes every hour. AUTO means the fan stays OFF until the thermostat asks for heating or cooling. ON means the fan will run 24/7.
In most cases, auto is the best option, but there are instances where you may want to use the on setting or a combination of both called circulate. There is no right or wrong answer, but by understanding the pros and cons of each setting, you can use them more efficiently for your home.
The Circ (Circulate) position, if available, will run the fan approximately 35% of the time, roughly 20 minutes each hour, minus any time the fan is already running with the heating or cooling system.
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.
Circulates air: Improved air circulation can work to keep a home comfortable in hot and cold weather. As such, the “circulate” setting might be all you need instead of raising or lowering the thermostat. Good for areas of high moisture: When the humidity is high, the “circulate” setting could give you relief.
“Circulate” Mode
This helps to create general air circulation without using much power. If you have this setting, we recommend using it as often as you can because it's a good money-saver on hot days.
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.
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.
While we typically don't think of winter as a humid time of year, poor ventilation in the home over the heating season can cause an increase of humidity inside the home, which causes indoor air quality issues such as pollution concentrations to grow.
The main benefit of setting the thermostat to 'Auto' is that it will result in more energy efficient usage. This is because the fan will run only when it's required. Also, the air filter will need to be changed or cleaned less frequently when the thermostat setting is set to 'Auto'.
Short answer: your central air conditioner does not bring fresh air from outside your home. It recirculates the air that's already inside your home and cools it down. Here's an inside look at how central air conditioners work. A fan pulls warm air from your home into your unit.
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.
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.
Circulate: Available under the Fan setting, the Circulate feature turns on the fan for 30% of the time every hour in order to circulate the air in your home.
Pros of Leaving Your AC on Auto
Lowered energy consumption: When your air conditioner's fan is set on auto, it will only run as needed. This, in turn, will cut down on your system's electricity usage. This then will decrease your monthly utility bills by a decent amount of money.
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.
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. You should usually only use the “Circ” setting during the spring or fall.
Proper airflow is vital in maintaining a comfortable indoor environment, especially in the summer. It helps evenly distribute cool air throughout your home, reducing hot spots. Furthermore, good air circulation prevents mold and mildew buildup by maintaining low humidity levels.
The circulate setting can be beneficial year-round. During the summer, it helps distribute cool air efficiently, while in the winter, it ensures that warm air reaches all corners of your home.
Constantly circulating the air prevents hot and cold spots from forming, so your home will be more evenly cooled. Plus, the air in your home will be cleaner because it's constantly being pulled through the intake filter. This can help prevent the build-up of indoor pollutants like pollen, pet dander, and mold spores.
Auto mode is ideal for homeowners who want to maintain a consistent temperature in their homes without having to constantly adjust the settings.
Quick answer: The ideal house temperature is room temperature, which ranges from 68 to 78 degrees F, though this may vary from season to season. In winter, the average room temperature is generally 62 to 68 degrees, whereas in the summer, the average temperature is 72 to 78 degrees.
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.
68 to 72 degrees is a temperature range that is not too warm or cool, and is sufficient enough to warm up the home just enough so that everyone is comfortable regardless of the type of clothing they have on.