A properly sized, serviced, and maintained heater and air conditioning system is well-known for providing you with comfort in your home for several years. One misunderstood feature of these systems, however, is the ability to keep the fan always on. Many believe that leaving the fan always running in the ON setting uses too much energy and will likely lead to higher energy bills. For this reason, most people choose to keep their HVAC system’s fan setting on AUTO. However, there are benefits to leaving your fan in the ON position. Let’s go over these below so that you can make the best decision for your home.
Better Air Circulation
By keeping your HVAC system’s fan at the ON setting, air will circulate more effectively. This is important since cold air sinks to the floor while hot air rises to the ceiling. Have you ever been on the floor of your home, felt chilly, and then wondered if your HVAC was working properly? Maybe you have experienced a situation where you are sleeping in a bed that is elevated, such as in a loft, and you find that the air is comfortable near the ground but way too warm where you are trying to rest. Running your fan fixes this problem so that the cool air and warm air are better mixed; it does a better job of keeping a stable temperature throughout your residence.
Higher Efficiency
Leaving your HVAC fan on makes it so that you do not have to regularly adjust your thermostat in order to maintain a temperature that is comfortable. The heat that is produced will now do a better job of reaching where you are. Equipment that is rated for optimal energy efficiency has variable-speed motors that can adjust to demand if run continuously. This wastes less energy and lowers your energy bill.
Increasing Your Equipment’s Lifespan
Newer model furnaces typically have fans that are designed to run at all times. Many believe that this could cause equipment failure prematurely, but this is not the case. If you have a properly installed system and ductwork that is configured and sized correctly, having the fan running around the clock will not do any harm. In fact, it can actually minimize the strain that your furnace is under, which could increase its lifespan. It can also extend the life of the motor since startup is the stage that is hardest on it. Keeping the fan always on is actually easier on the motor.
Cutting Down on Moisture
By consistently having air circulate in your home, you can also minimize the amount of unwanted moisture. For example, your bathroom can typically become very humid after a shower. Circulating air gives that moisture a means to dissipate. This can reduce the risk of mold growth, which could improve the air quality in your home and cut down on some potential health risks.
Better Comfort
Circulating air provides a windchill effect. Always keeping your AC fan running helps you and your loved ones feel cool during summer, even if the actual air conditioning is not turned on. With the fan on, you can even drop the thermostat a few degrees and still achieve the desired comfort level. This can help you save some money on your energy bill.
Improved Air Quality
A fan that runs constantly allows air to always pass through your air filter. This means the system can filter more dust, allergens, and other contaminants. You can go even further by installing an air scrubber to sterilize any present mold spores or reduce any potential odors. You could even add a UV light to your ductwork that will kill microbes and bacteria while your fan is continuously on.
When Should You Not Leave Your AC Fan Running?
While there are several benefits to keeping your air conditioning unit’s fan running, there are a few times when you should turn it off. One example would be if you are experiencing high summer temperatures and there is ductwork in your attic. Even the best-insulated system will have a difficult time fighting off sweltering temperatures. Having your furnace blowing without any AC could redistribute very hot air through your home.
Another reason to turn off the fan is if you suspect that there could be a leak in your ductwork. Should you have any reason to believe that this is the case, have your ductwork inspected by a professional immediately.
You should also be cautious about running your fan at all times if you notice that your utility bill has actually increased from doing so. When this happens, it could be because you are using an older furnace that utilizes a PSC-type motor. Having a new, high-efficiency ECM motor installed should lower your energy bill.
Speak To a Professional About Always Running Your AC Fan
If you live in Fort Worth, TX, or in the surrounding area and are curious about the benefits of always running your AC fan, give Titan Air Solutions a call. We are a family-owned business with HVAC technicians who have many years of experience meeting the heating and cooling needs of the community.
Our team takes tremendous pride in offering the highest quality service you can find, and we are not done with the job until you are totally satisfied with our work. Our company has built its name on repeat customers and their recommendations to others, so we strive for perfection with every work order.
If you research our company online, you will find that we have stellar reviews across the board. These reviews are not by random online reviewers but by people in the community of Fort Worth who count on us to look after them and their loved ones. We take this responsibility to heart and look forward to bringing that same dedication to meeting your particular home comfort needs. You can trust that we will take the time to find the right and most energy-efficient solution for you.
Some of the types of systems that we work on are ductless air conditioners, high-performance heat pumps, central air conditioners, and Wi-Fi thermostats and controls. We are proud to offer a full range of services for a wide variety of heating and cooling systems. Our team provides installations, repairs, routine maintenance, and so much more. We want to be your go-to when it comes to who you think about and recommend to others for the best HVAC services in the Fort Worth area. Our company is modern, technology-driven, and very easy to book when you need us most.
If you are ready to find out more about how running an AC fan continuously could benefit your home, give us a call today or fill out the online form. A member of our team will get back to you quickly, ready to help you with whatever service you might need.
