Should I Set My Air Conditioner's Fan Setting To Auto Or On?

July 06, 2023

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Air conditioners work to keep you cool and comfortable in the summer, and they have a number of settings to achieve this. If you’re wondering whether your AC should be set to “auto” or “on,”” you’re not alone. Several factors influence this decision, including your home and the weather. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

What Does the “Auto” Setting Mean?

When you set your AC fan to auto, the fan only runs when the air conditioner runs. Based

on this, you might wonder, “Should I leave my AC on auto?” If you want to minimize energy consumption without compromising comfort, the auto setting often makes the best choice.

Of course, this approach can pose some drawbacks, depending on the season. If the weather is mild, you may not run the AC very much. When the AC only runs a few times per day (or not at all), you may notice that the air feels stale, with dust accumulating. Similarly, if you host a party with lots of attendees, the auto setting may not suffice to keep your home feeling cool and comfortable.

Does Keeping AC on Auto Save Money?

As a rule, keeping your AC fan setting on auto can save money. Because you’re not running the fan all the time, you consume less energy over time. Less energy consumption translates into lower utility bills. The amount of savings depends on the air conditioner and the season. In the hottest part of the summer, your AC should run about 3 to 6 times per hour. You may not observe as much savings during that time.

How Does the “On” Setting Work?

Energy savings aren’t the only factor in your home comfort, of course. When you’re considering whether it’s better to leave AC fan “on” or on “auto,” remember that there are reasons to run the fan. When you turn the AC fan to the on setting, it will run constantly, even if the AC does not. The fan provides a constant stream of cycled air, which can better ventilate large, open rooms. This setting also helps to create consistent cooling throughout the home, which is important when you have multiple floors.

In exchange for consistent temperatures in the home in any season, you will probably use more energy and pay more on your utility bills. As such, you may want to adjust your expectations related to the season and your plans inside the home. During the hottest months, running the fan all the time may balance your energy usage at peak hours.

Should Your AC Fan Be on Auto or On?

Ultimately, the best choice for your home depends on a variety of factors. Switching the fan from “auto” to “on” can be a good way to keep the ventilation running during mild weather or when you have a crowd at your home. However, you probably wouldn’t want to keep it there all the time to minimize your energy use. You should also remember that air conditioner settings won’t address fundamental problems with the system. If you find that you run the fan because your AC does not provide sufficient cooling for the home, you should schedule air conditioner repair or AC replacement instead.

When you need to know if it’s better to leave AC on auto or on,” the experts at Brothers are available to assist. We can help you determine the best settings for your air conditioner and find ways for you to get the most from the cooling season. Contact us today!