Running Fan On Air Conditioner Continuously: Is It Advisable?

Running the fan on your air conditioner continuously: is it advisable? That is the eternal question. Whether you use the "Auto" setting on your thermostat or let your fan run, each setting has positive and negative aspects. As expert providers of HVAC services in Denville, NJ, we delved into the topic to help you decide.

Your thermostat has a couple of settings outside of the temperature range. When you keep your fan set to "On," your fan will run all day and night regardless of temperature. With your settings on "Auto," your fan only runs when your air conditioning unit adjusts the inside temperature. 

Whether you should run your fan depends on multiple factors, including your AC unit’s condition or if your region has extreme temperatures. Read on to get advice about Denville, NJ. 

Pros of Keeping Your Fan On

When you run your fan constantly, your home may benefit from a few things. First, running fans contribute to even temperature distribution. This reduces the hot spots in your house. Hot spots occur when an area doesn’t receive the same temperature-controlled air as other rooms. 

You’ll also enjoy improved air quality in your home. Since the air constantly circulates through the air filter, it filters out more dust, allergens, and microbes. You’ll get an added benefit if you use an air purifier. 

Air purifiers usually occupy only one room. This keeps purified air restricted to a single area. With the fan running while you use a purifier, clean air disperses toward the rest of the house more easily. You can breathe easier as a result.

Keeping the fan on decreases the amount of wear and tear that occurs with each cycle startup. You may pay less in maintenance on certain components as a result. 

Cons of Keeping Your Fan On

Some of the cons have expensive consequences. For example, you’ll rack up hundreds of dollars in energy bills. A running fan uses lots of electricity to cycle. 

Plus, you’ll decrease your AC’s efficiency during the hot summer months. Your vents could blow hot air into your home, increasing your unit’s regulation cycling. This will also greatly increase your energy bill during hot or cold seasons.

Since your air filter has constant air flow through its fibers, you’ll need to change it out more often. On average, you should change your filter every three months. When your fan runs continuously, you’ll have to change it every couple of weeks to eliminate allergens and prevent debris from clogging your ducts. 

You also risk having a more humid environment in your home. The "Auto" setting deposits excess moisture outdoors. When you keep the fan on, that moisture collects indoors. Your unit uses more power to eliminate moisture.

When your fan runs constantly, it wears out your HVAC system more quickly and could damage certain components. You’ll need to schedule more appointments for routine maintenance. 

Running Fan on Air Conditioner Continuously: Is It Advisable?

If you run the fan on your air conditioner continuously, you might wonder if the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. In Denville, NJ, we suggest that you use a combination of both "Auto" and "On" settings depending on the time of year. 

Keep your fan on more frequently during mild seasons like spring and fall. During these seasons, temperatures outdoors reflect comfortable indoor temperatures. Allowing your fan to cycle will improve air quality without increasing your energy bills too much. 

When you use an air purifier, switch the fan setting to "On." You’ll reap more benefits from evenly distributed, purified air throughout your home. This also applies during allergy seasons. You can better filter allergens out of your home by running your fan. 

During hot summer or cold winter weather, keep your setting on "Auto." This prevents your HVAC system from overworking to maintain a comfortable temperature. Since your power bills often increase during these times, using the "Auto" setting ensures more stability and energy efficiency. 

What works best for your HVAC system depends on the age of its parts and its general condition. It also depends on what works best for you and your family. 



Discover the Best Setting for Your AC with Comfort Specialists

Will running the fan on your air conditioner continuously work for you? At Comfort Specialists, we can help you find the setting that best fits your needs. Do you know common AC problems and recognize the symptoms in your unit? Call us at (973) 490-4881 to schedule an appointment with our experts.