You can keep your fan either on auto or on settings for the heat. When the fan is on auto settings, it will automatically switch on and off according to the changes in your home’s temperature. If you put it on the on mode, it will remain running whether the temperature falls.
Should I Set my Furnace Fan to "auto" or "on"?
Typically, you can set the fan to run throughout, as long as the furnace is ON and getting power, or only run during heating cycles when the furnace is not just running but also producing heat. The former is the ON setting, while the latter is AUTO. Nearly all furnaces have these two settings.
Should I Set my thermostat to fan on or auto?
- You may discover that there is more even distribution of hot or cool air.
- There is a chance your blower motor may last longer because in AUTO there’s more repeated starts and stops. ...
- If you do set the fan to ON so it runs constantly, there is an extra also distribution of conditioned air throughout your home. ...
Should you set your AC fan to “on” or “auto?
“On” setting – Fan is constantly on, even when the HVAC system is not on and is always blowing air throughout the home. “Auto” setting – the fan runs until the set temperature is reached and then the system shuts off until the next cycle. 1. Even Distribution of Heating and Cooling in the Home
Should you run your fan continuously?
These are the pros and cons of continuously running your HVAC. Some people are big fans of running an HVAC fan continuously, especially to reduce indoor allergens. Should you? Here are the pros and cons: Less start/stop stress on the fan. Consistently cleaner air because of constant filtration. Keeps the ambient air at a more even temperature.
What does it mean when a fan turns on automatically?
AUTO indicates that the fan turns on automatically only when your system is warming or cooling air. As soon as the thermostat gets to the preferred temperature level, the entire system shuts down up until the next cycle.
What does it mean when a fan is on?
ON means that the fan is constantly on and also blowing air when your HEATING AND COOLING system is not heating or cooling. This does has some advantages even though it uses more power to keep the fan going. The Advantages and Disadvantages of Running Your Fan Continuous in Your HVAC Air Handler. Running your fan on AUTO or ON is an individual ...
What does auto mean on a blower?
There are two settings on your thermostat to manage the fan – auto or on. AUTO indicates that the fan turns on automatically only when your system is warming or cooling air. As soon as the thermostat gets to ...
Why does my AC fan feel cooler?
When your fan is set to AUTO, moisture from cool air conditioning coils can drip and also be drained via pipes that run outside. This can result in a lower humidity in your home which feels cooler when the AC is on in warmer climates. The action of constantly moving air will filter more air.
Does Nest thermostat have fan?
Some smart thermostats like the Nest have advanced fan settings that allow you to program when you run the fan, and set up custom delayed fan settings that turn off after a set amount of time in Auto mode.
Is it better to keep the thermostat on auto or on?
Pros to setting your thermostat fan to AUTO. Keeping your fan on AUTO is the most energy-efficient option. When you save energy you do save money on your utility bill. The fan only runs when the system is on as well as not continuously. Once the air temperature reaches the temperature level on your thermostat, the fan quits moving air ...
What is a fan in a home?
The fan refers to your central air system’s blower – the component that helps circulate cool or warm air throughout your home. You can control how and when the fan runs by adjusting your thermostat. Doing so can help improve your comfort and indoor air quality.
When does the AC fan kick on?
Setting the fan to auto: The fan kicks on automatically when the AC begins a cooling cycle (or when the furnace begins a heating cycle.) Once the thermostat reaches your setpoint temperature, your central air system powers down and the fan shuts off with it.
Why is it important to keep a fan on?
Cleaner air: Allowing your fan to remain on can improve indoor air quality. The air will be pushed through the filter, thus trapping more contaminants. This is an especially big benefit for families who suffer from asthma and allergy symptoms. The enhanced circulation will also help dehumidify your home.
What does "on" mean on a thermostat?
Auto means the fan in your central air system will kick on automatically when a cooling cycle begins. Conversely, the “on” mode means that the fan will run continuously, whether or not the system is cooling. Let’s take a closer look at these settings ...
Does a 500 watt AC fan cost more?
Higher energy bills: If you do decide to leave your AC fan running, don’t be surprised to encounter higher utility bills. A 500-watt AC fan consumes almost as much energy as a refrigerator. This means you may have to pay an extra $50 a month in energy costs. Could make your home warmer: This is obviously the biggest drawback.
Does running an HVAC fan improve air quality?
Continually running your HVAC fan can improve your indoor air quality, but it will come with a cost. If you want cleaner air, minus the steep energy bills, consider upgrading to a central air system with a variable-speed blower. This feature allows your HVAC system to cycle for longer periods of time at slower rates.
How does a fan work in a home?
Your heating and cooling system’s fan draws in air to be heated or cooled, then pushes the heated or cooled air through the vents in your home. When your system is running and you put your hand up to a vent, it’s the fan creating the airflow that you feel.
Why is it better to leave a fan running all the time?
Better air filtration: Leaving your fan running all the time also offers the benefit of better air filtration because the air in your home is constantly passing and repassing through the system’s air filter.
What is a thermostat fan?
Some newer thermostats offer a fan setting called “circulate.” This setting is a hybrid between “on” and “auto.” It runs the fan during system cycles and then again for a few minutes every hour. You’ll enjoy more and better air circulation, minus the power bill that comes with the “on” setting. Still stuck with an old thermostat? Smart thermostats are affordable, and they allow you to control your heating and cooling system’s settings from virtually anywhere.
Why do air conditioners have variable speed motors?
Newer air conditioners and heaters have variable speed motors that change the speed at which your fan runs to offer you better control over the temperature in your home. You can think of these newer air handlers giving you the benefit of the “auto” setting with much less energy usage than older systems.
Why does my air filter trap dirt?
Goes through more air filters: Because the air in your home is constantly circulated through your air filter, the filter is going to trap more dirt. This is great news if there’s a lot of dust in your house, but this also means that you’ll need to buy and change out your filters more often—as much as every week.
When does a fan kick on?
This means the fan will kick on 30 to 60 seconds after a heating or cooling cycle starts and then deactivate within a minute of the cycle’s end.
Does a fan use less energy?
Uses less energy: Your fan actually won’t use any energy when it’s not in use. If you’re on a budget, using the “auto” setting is an easy way to keep energy costs down.
The Basics
Let’s begin with an overview of the furnace blower fan to better understand its role, how it works, and the different settings.
What is the Difference Between Circulate and Fan ON?
The main difference is that the fan ON setting means that the fan is set to run as long as the furnace is switched ON. Meanwhile, the Circulate setting is a hybrid and auto that keeps the fan running throughout heating cycles and then again for a few minutes every hour even when the furnace is off.
Furnace Fan on AUTO or CIRCULATE in Winter?
Ideally, it’s best to set your furnace fan to AUTO for the winter season. However, each setting has benefits and drawbacks. So, it comes down to what works best for each individual. However, most homeowners and even HVAC experts prefer AUTO.
How Long Should my HVAC Fan Run Per Hour?
The furnace should run 10-15 minutes per cycle, 2-3 cycles per hour. This means that a standard furnace fan runs 20 minutes to 45 minutes per hour or an average of 30 minutes per hour during regular heating. However, this doesn’t mean that all furnace blowers run for 30 minutes per hour throughout.
Is it Better to Have Furnace Fan on AUTO or ON?
It’s much better to set your furnace fan on AUTO. The main reason is energy efficiency. The fan draws a lot less power in AUTO mode. Meanwhile, keeping it running round the clock through the ON mode means you end up with a massive power bill.
FAQs
Furnace fan not working on auto: Check whether your furnace is switched ON and producing heat as the fan only runs in AUTO mode during the heating cycles. If the unit produces heat, the fan may be stuck or faulty.
Conclusion
That’s all. Now you know everything you need to about furnace fan settings. You also know when to use the different settings. Don’t hesitate to consult an HVAC professional if you encounter problems beyond your DIY knowledge.
Why do you keep a fan on?
Keeping the fan on creates a more even distribution of heating and cooling, circulating the air if you have cold or hot spots in your house, like a bedroom above a garage.
Why does my AC fan blow back into my house?
Instead, it blows back into your house, and, as a result, your AC then has to work ever harder to suck that extra moisture out of the air.
Why does my fan wear out faster?
You may feel a less even distribution of heating and cooling, because once the thermostat is satisfied, the fan stops moving air to other spaces in the home. More frequent starts and stops will make the fan wear out faster.
How long does a fan run when it is on?
When you set your fan to “ON,” you’re telling it to keep running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, regardless of the heating or cooling setting. There are a few positives to this feature.
Is it better to keep a fan on 24/7 or all the time?
This can be better for people with allergies. While keeping your fan on 24/7 may be more energy efficient, there are a few downsides to leaving your fan on all of the time:
