Once the weather begins to cool off, you may be thinking about how you’ll make the most of your heating and cooling. After all, HVAC bills can make up a big piece of your monthly electric bill. To figure out new ways to save, some homeowners look closer at their thermostat. Maybe there’s a setting they could use to improve efficiency?

The majority of thermostats come with a ‘Fan’ or ‘Fan On’ setting. But if the fan is on during a normal cycle, what does the fan setting offer for the HVAC system? This guide should help. We’ll share just what the fan setting is and whether you can use it to cut costs over the summer or winter.

Should I Use My Thermostat’s Fan Setting?

For the majority of thermostats, the fan setting indicates that the system’s blower fan stays on. Some furnaces can generate heat at a low level in this setting, but in most cases heating or cooling isn’t being generated. The ‘Auto’ setting, on the other hand, will start the fan over a heating or cooling cycle and turn it off after the cycle is complete.

There are pros and cons to switching on the fan setting on your thermostat, and the ideal option {will|can|should]] depend on your unique comfort requirements.

Advantages to trying the Fan/On setting:

  • You can keep the temperature throughout your home more consistent by enabling the fan to keep running.
  • Indoor air quality can increase since constant airflow will keep forcing airborne pollutants through the air filter.
  • A smaller number of start-stop cycles for the system’s fan helps extend its life span. As the air handler is typically part of the furnace, this means you can avoid needing furnace repair.

Drawbacks to using the Fan/On setting:

  • A constant fan will likely increase your energy expenses somewhat.
  • Continuous airflow may clog your air filter up more quickly, increasing the frequency you will want to replace it.

{Choosing Between|Should My Thermostat Be on|Which Setting for My Thermostat? Fan or Auto in Summer/Winter

During the summer, warm air may linger in unfinished spaces including the attic or an attached garage. If you leave the fan on, your HVAC system may draw this warm air into the rest of your home, compelling the HVAC system to run longer to preserve the desired temperature. In extreme heat, this can lead to needing AC repair more often as wear and tear gets worse.

The opposite can happen in the winter. Cooler spaces such as a basement will hold onto cooler air, which may eventually flow into the rest of your home. Leaving the fan setting on could pump more cold air upward, increasing the amount of heating you need to keep warm.

If you’re still trying to figure out if you should try the fan/on setting, keep in mind that every home and family’s comfort needs are not the same. Leaving the HVAC system’s fan on may work for you if:

Someone in your household has allergies. Allergies and similar respiratory conditions can be hard on the family. Leaving the fan on should help to enhance indoor air quality, helping your family breathe easier.

Your home has hot and cold spots. Lots of homes deal with stubborn hot and cold spots that quickly shift to a temperature different from the rest of the house. The fan setting should help lessen these changes by consistently refreshing each room’s ventilation.