Have you ever felt that you’ve stepped on the sands of the Sahara from a cool, breezy beach when you were moving from the corners of your home to the next? If you answered yes, you should start your HVAC fan running to eliminate this temperature discrepancy.
The heating, air conditioning, and air conditioning system is equipped with a fan that you can control with your thermostat. HVAC blower fans are used to circulate air throughout an area and remove hot and cold areas until the temperature set by your thermostat is reached.
They have two operating modes, Auto and On, and there is always a huge debate about which one works best. Both methods have their own advantages and drawbacks, and there is no definitive answer as to which one you should use. AC fan On or Auto. In addition, the latest smart thermostats can also be customized to suit your needs! fan settings!
HVAC Fan Modes Auto & On
HVAC fans provide ventilation, assist in maintaining the quality of indoor air and improve the comfort of your home. Let’s explore the intricacies of the Auto and On modes as well as how each function, and which you should go with.
What is the meaning behind the “On” Mode?
“On” Mode “On” mode signifies that your HVAC fan will keep running all day long. This setting implies that your HVAC system’s air conditioner will work even when the AC isn’t heating or cooling. If your heating system has stopped working suddenly, you can contact San Francisco AC Repair Techs for Air Conditioning and Heating Repair in San Francisco to get it back to functioning.
There are a few upsides and downsides to operating an HVAC fan continuously.
The advantages of using the ‘On the go’ feature
1. Better Air Circulation
While your air conditioner heats or cools the air, it cannot circulate this air properly on its own. A fan distributes the air conditioning more evenly around your home and also helps remove any hot and cold spots.
Another issue that affects air circulation is that hot air rises while cold air is close to the ground. This causes warm air to collect within the upper floors of your home, thus increasing the temperature here. So maintaining your air conditioner on continuously will effectively help circulate air on upper floors at all times and not only when the cooling is on.
2. Increased Life Time
Keeping an AC fan running means that it won’t have to start and repeatedly stop, which will reduce stress on the fan. Believe it or not, this method can extend the lifespan that your HVAC blower.
3. Fresh Odorless Air
Temperature levels stay moderate during the fall and spring, particularly within sealed structures and in spaces with mostly closed windows. In such a situation it is possible that the air conditioning will be turned off, resulting in the air becoming stuffy. It is important to keep your HVAC fan running can assist in keeping the air fresh and clear any smells.
4. Improved Air Quality:
Keeping an AC fan running constantly means air flows across your AC filters more frequently. This could help get rid of pollutants in the air, such as dust, pollen, and even mold.
But, the value you gain from air filtration will depend on the kind of air filters that is installed within your heating system as well as how well they are well-maintained. Filters that have a high rating will effectively remove the majority of the tiny particles from the air.
Pros and Cons of the ‘On’ Feature
Below are a few disadvantages of choosing”On” as the “On” mode of your HVAC fan.
1. High Energy Bills
Running your air handler fan continuously will certainly add up to your energy bills. Based on the size, model, and duration an AC has been running in the past, an air conditioner will draw around 500 watts or more when it is running an HVAC fan only. It can be as high as 360 kWh each month.
2. Frequent Need to Change the Air Filter
When air from a room is continuously circulated throughout HVAC air filters the filters become filled with dirt faster. It is essential to clean the air filters more often or change them often. If you have not thought about filter replacement for a while, don’t put it off any longer. AC Repair Techs AC Filter Replacement San Francisco is always ready to serve your needs.
3. Hot air in summer
Ducts installed near an attic or next to walls can be filled with hot air during the summer months. The air is circulated throughout your home because the fan is continuously running. The result is that the room gets hot, and the AC is on more often in order to reduce the room temperature.
4. Cold Air in Winter
When you switch on the fan of your air conditioner during the winter season and the heating is turned off, you’ll experience a chilling breeze coming out of your vents. Although the temperature of the air is the same, you will feel cold.
5. Inefficient Humidity Removal
The moisture is removed from the air through cooling. The air passes through the coils of evaporation and the moisture forms on the coils in the form of droplets. Once the cooling system has stopped the coils get warm and water droplets drip down. This water should be flushed out of the home.
However, the running of the HVAC fan on a continuous basis causes some of the water to evaporate back into air, thus causing an obstacle to the efficient elimination of the humidity.
What is the meaning behind Auto Mode?
Setting your HVAC unit fan on “Auto” means running it only when the system is heating or cooling. For example, after your thermostat has reached the desired temperature, the system switches off, including the AC fan.
The advantages of using an HVAC Fan’s Auto feature
1. More Energy Efficiency
Setting your AC fan to the Auto setting indicates that it is only running during times when the system is cooling or heating. The fan then runs for the minimum period possible. This makes it more energy efficient to set your fan on Auto than continuously running the fan. As a result, you will pay less energy.
2. Better Dehumidification
Since the HVAC fan shuts down in Auto mode after cooling ceases, the droplets of water on condensation coils can easily fall into the drain pan located under these coils. Then, the moisture is easily thrown away outside of the house. This allows you to achieve the perfect humidity levels in your home.
The disadvantages of using the “Auto”
Although this mode can provide better humidity control and saves money, a few things can cause issues for you.
1. Uneven Temperature
The lack of circulation after the system shuts down means the temperature will continue to rise, while cold air will remain in the lower part of the room. This can result in an uneven temperature.
2. More Rapid Wear Out
Setting your HVAC blower on Auto mode can cause the fan motor to cycle on and off frequently. This can cause the fan motor to wear down quickly and reduce its lifespan.
A verdict regarding AC Fan Mode” On” or ‘Auto’?
There isn’t a definitive answer to questions such as “how long will my HVAC fan be running per hour?” or “Should my fan be turned on “Auto” or “On “?”.
In the event of frequent use, setting the AC fan for “On” or “Auto” is your personal preference as both these modes have some advantages and drawbacks. If your HVAC is not working and you are looking for an HVAC repair contractor in San Francisco, CA to get your commercial, industrial, or Residential HVAC System Repaired, San Francisco AC Repair Techs is the best choice to opt for. Every one of our technicians is licensed, qualified, and receives regular training to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the industry.
The only thing to consider is the humidity level of the area you live in. If you live in a region where humidity levels are high, setting the HVAC fans to “On” can result in inefficient humidity removal and cause mold growth. In these conditions, running your AC fan at “Auto” is safe.
But, there are some choices that can aid in eliminating the negatives while you make use of all the advantages!
- Smart Thermostat Utilizing smart thermostats, you can set custom timers that run your fan only when it is set to. You can select how long your AC fan runs every hour, regardless of heating or cooling cycles.
- Variable Speed Technology The incorporation of variable-speed motor technology in your HVAC is another option. A variable-speed fan motor operates at different speeds in order to regulate your home’s airflow in the most efficient way.
By using variable-speed technology, the AC fan is continuously running to circulate air, but because your system has the ability to run at lower speeds this makes it energy efficient. That means your energy costs won’t go up due to your AC fan, and your system won’t need to be turned on and off repeatedly. This will result in more control over humidity, long fan motor life, even temperature, and continuous filtering.
