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 frequently make up a large 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 include both a ‘Fan’ or ‘Fan On’ setting. But if the fan is going during a typical cycle, what does the fan setting offer for an HVAC system? This guide will help. We’ll share precisely what the fan setting is and when you can use it to save money in the summer or winter.

Should I Use My Thermostat's Fan Setting?

For the majority of thermostats, the fan setting signifies that the HVAC blower fan stays on. Certain furnaces may continue to generate heat at a low level in this setting, but in general heating or cooling isn’t being generated. The ‘Auto’ setting, conversely, will start the fan during a heating or cooling cycle and switch it off when the cycle is complete.

There are pros and cons to using the fan setting on your thermostat, and what's ideal {will|can|should]] depend on your unique comfort preferences.

Advantages to trying the Fan/On setting:

  • You can keep the temperature in every room more balanced by allowing the fan to keep running.
  • Indoor air quality can increase because continuous airflow will keep moving airborne particles into the air filter.
  • Fewer start-stop cycles for the system's fan helps extend its life span. Since the air handler is usually a component of the furnace, this means you could avoid needing furnace repair.

Downsides to using the Fan/On setting:

  • A constant fan will likely add to your energy bills by a small margin.
  • Nonstop airflow may clog your air filter soon, 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 Each Season

In the summer, warm air can persist in unfinished spaces such as the attic or an attached garage. If you use the fan setting, your HVAC system might gradually move this warm air into the rest of your home, compelling the HVAC system to work more to maintain the desired temperature. In serious heat, this can lead to needing AC repair more regularly as wear and tear increases.

The reverse can take place in the winter. Cooler spaces like a basement will hold onto cooler air, which will eventually make its way into the rest of your home. Leaving the fan setting on could pull more cold air upward, increasing the amount of heating you need to stay warm.

If you’re still trying to decide if you should switch to 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 other respiratory conditions can be hard on the family. Leaving the fan on can help to improve indoor air quality, helping your family breathe easier.

Your home deals with hot and cold spots. All kinds of homes deal with stubborn hot and cold spots that quickly evolve to a temperature different from the rest of the house. The fan setting might help limit these changes by consistently refreshing each room’s airflow.