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Thermostats have been around forever, yet some folks don’t know whether or not to have the HVAC fan continue running after the home has reached its target temperature or not. It’s a choice between “on” and “auto.” Auto means the fan will automatically work only when the air is being cooled or heated. The fan stops once the set temperature is reached. On the flip side, on means that it works 24/7, even after the set temperature has been achieved. So, which setting is right for you?

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To Fan or Not to Fan: The Pros and Cons

Using the on setting comes with both pros and cons. The downsides are that it increases the electric bill, clogs the air filter quicker, can make you chilly in the wintertime and more maintenance for the blower. The pros are:

• More comfort – the fan will circulate the air more evenly resulting in more comfort
• Good for allergy and asthma sufferers – Running the fan more often means that the filter is catching more airborne particulates, such as dust and dander
• Helps dust the home – The fan pulls in airborne dust into the air filter giving it less opportunity to settle again

The auto setting costs less to run and reduces wear and tear. but it doesn’t deliver the superior indoor comfort as the on setting. Plus, the indoor air may become more stagnant.

It’s Really Up to You

Whichever setting you prefer, the tradeoffs are distinct. However, there are options. Variable speed blowers are a middle ground for conservative energy consumption , and a smart thermostat often offers additional fan settings. You may also decide to set the thermostat fan setting to auto most of the time and change it to the on position when needed. Just keep in mind that the HVAC fan setting can have consequences on energy efficiency, comfort and indoor quality.

To learn more about the pros and cons of fan settings for commercial AC and residential air conditioning, turn to the experts at Cox Heating & Air Conditioning. We take the time to learn your lifestyle and individual needs. Armed with this information, we’ll help you make the best decision.