Thermostats have lots of useful settings for all sorts of scenarios. Two of the most common are “On” and “Auto.” The Auto setting automatically turns on and off the fan while the “On” setting keeps the blower on at all times. Each has its own merits that can provide your home with the most comfortable climate. Here’s a look at whether you should have your thermostat set to Auto or On.
Cost Efficiency
Cost efficiency is a major variable in this equation. The Auto setting is much less expensive to run than On. In Auto mode, the fan only runs when the unit is actively cooling or heating your home. The short period of time that the fan runs in Auto mode is usually sufficient to spread the cool air throughout your home. Because the blower periodically switches off, this is much more energy-efficient, which means you will save money on your electric bills.
When the AC is kept in the On position, the blower will constantly circulate the air throughout the home. This uses significantly more energy in a day. Unless you have a specific reason to keep the blower constantly running, you will want to keep it in the Auto position.
Cooling Capability
In most circumstances, using the Auto mode can keep your home at a constant, comfortable temperature. However, in some circumstances continuously running the fan can make a difference. Chilling the air is just one step of the process. It’s also necessary to spread this cool air around instead of just in a central location.
In larger homes or homes that have had additions, the Auto mode might not adequately cool the entire house evenly. If your workspace is located on the perimeter of your home, you might choose the On mode in order to keep that area consistently cool. If you can detect a big difference in the temperature from one room to the next, it is a sign that the cool air hasn’t been spread evenly. In these cases, if you’re aiming for a consistently cool temperature, you’ll want to have the fan running in the On position.
With more advanced AC systems and smart thermostats, you have the option of using a zone system. This allows you to choose specific temperatures for specific areas in the home. If you’re interested in installing a smart system, call Totally Cool AC to find out what your options are.
Smart Thermostats
If you have a smart thermostat, you almost always want to favor Auto over On. Auto takes advantage of all the state-of-the-art features of your smart system. It will constantly adjust the fan in sync with other smart features. Some smart thermostats can sync to weather conditions and adjust the thermostat accordingly. As mentioned earlier, some smart thermostats can enable zone temperature control. The end result of using a smart thermostat is a perfectly cooled home.
When to Keep the Fan Running
In On mode, the fan will run at all times. This can have a number of advantages for your home. You’ll be able to disperse stale air and increase circulation throughout your home. If your windows and doors are shut throughout the day, there isn’t a good chance for fresh air to replace old air. The boost from the fan is enough to keep things moving so your air does not become stagnant.
Individuals with preexisting health conditions such as asthma or allergies should consider using the On setting. Keeping strong circulation flowing causes the air to continually pass through the filters, thus decreasing allergens in the air. This, in turn, decreases the likelihood of your allergies flaring up. In the spring and fall, when these conditions tend to be at their worst, the fan can really make a difference in your indoor air quality. At night, consider turning the fan to On so you can breathe deeply for a good night of sleep.
You Can Count on Us
A professional service such as Totally Cool AC in Austin, TX, can help you choose what system and settings would work best for you. We are also experts at installing thermostats of the highest quality. Furthermore, we’re specialists in weatherization, duct cleaning and indoor air quality solutions. We also repair, install and maintain both heating and cooling systems. Do not hesitate to send us an email or give us a call today to discuss any of the above services.