When the weather begins to cool off, you are probably thinking about how you’ll make the most of your heating and cooling. After all, HVAC bills routinely add up to a large portion of your monthly electric bill. To try and find ways to lower their HVAC bill, some homeowners take a closer look at their thermostat. Is there a setting they could use to improve efficiency?

Most thermostats include both a ‘Fan’ or ‘Fan On’ setting. But if the fan is going during a typical cycle, what does the fan setting provide 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 over the summer or winter.

Should I Use My Thermostat’s Fan Setting?

For the majority of thermostats, the fan setting means that the air handler’s blower fan remains on. A few furnaces can operate at a low level with this setting, but for the most part heating or cooling isn’t being produced. The ‘Auto’ setting, in contrast, will run the fan through a heating or cooling cycle and switch it off once the cycle is finished.

There are benefits and drawbacks to trying the fan setting on your thermostat, and the ideal option {will|can|should]] depend on your distinct comfort preferences.

Advantages to switching to the Fan/On setting:

  • You can keep the temperature in every room more balanced by permitting the fan to keep running.
  • Indoor air quality can increase as constant airflow will keep moving airborne pollutants into the air filter.
  • A smaller amount of start-stop cycles for the blower fan helps extend its life span. Since the air handler is usually part of the furnace, this means you can minimize the risk of needing furnace repair.

Disadvantages to utilizing the Fan/On setting:

  • A constant fan could increase your energy costs slightly.
  • Continuous airflow can clog your air filter soon, increasing the frequency you should 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 like the attic or an attached garage. If you keep the fan running, your HVAC system can pull this warm air into the rest of your home, compelling the HVAC system to work harder to preserve the desired temperature. In severe heat, this may lead to needing AC repair more regularly as wear and tear increases.

The reverse can take place in the winter. Cooler spaces such as a basement will hold onto cooler air, which may eventually drift into the rest of your home. Leaving the fan running will sometimes pump more cold air upward, increasing the amount of heating you need to stay warm.

If you’re still trying to figure out if you should try the fan/on setting, remember that every home and family’s comfort needs will vary. Leaving the HVAC system’s fan on might work for you if:

Someone in your household deals with allergies. Allergies and similar respiratory conditions can be stressful on the family. Leaving the fan on is more likely to increase indoor air quality, helping your family breathe easier.

Your home has hot and cold spots. Many homes deal with difficult hot and cold spots that quickly shift to a temperature different from the rest of the house. The fan setting might help limit these changes by steadily refreshing each room’s airflow.