We get this inquiry a lot from people coming to Tampa. So what’s our answer? When it comes to saving cash, keeping your fan set to AUTO is the better option. Now let’s look at how the two settings differ and why ON costs you cash.
ON vs. AUTO Which Configuration Saves the Most Cash?
Just how the ON fan mode costs you hundreds
Turns out, utilizing the ON fan setting can cost you hundreds of dollars each and every year.
How? Well it all comes down to using a whole lot more electricity because the blower fan is running non-stop. Let’s take a closer look:
In “AUTO” mode, the blower fan runs only during a heating/cooling cycle.
In “ON” mode, the blower fan runs continuously, regardless of whether the system is actually heating/cooling.
So, leaving your fan set to ON means your blower motor eats up a lot of electricity.
To help you understand just how much this can set you back, pretend that you keep the heat or AC on 24 hours a day. That means your blower fan runs constantly. And the average AC has a 500 watt fan. Running 500 watts 24 / 7 at Tampa’s rate of about 11¢/kWh equals out to roughly $39.60/month. And, please remember, that’s what you’ll pay Only for your blower fan to operate.
Now compare that to when your fan is in AUTO mode and (dependent upon the weather as well as the set temperature) may only run 8-10 hours each day. That equals out to (at most) roughly $16.50/month.
That means you waste around $23.10/month and $277.20/year just by leaving your fan in ON mode.
But wait, there’s another big reason why you shouldn’t set your fan to ON…
The ON setting also increases indoor humidity
In terms of air conditioning, running your fan constantly prevents your system from dehumidifying the home. And that’s certainly not what you want during a Tampa summer.
You see, air conditioners are also dehumidifiers. As the cold refrigerant coils cool your air, it’s also stripping moisture from it. And where does that moisture go? Well, if your fan is set to AUTO, water collects on the coils throughout a cooling cycle and once the fan stops blowing, it drips off the coils and drains outside.
BUT if your fan is set to ON, it never stops blowing on that condensation and ultimately the moisture will be blown right back into your home.
So should anyone ever use the ON fan setting?
There’s one time that we’d absolutely suggest using the ON thermostat fan setting: when you’re dusting or vacuuming.
Why?
Well, whenever you dust and vacuum you stir up a great deal of dust. While you might be removing some of it, the fact is that a lot more just gets kicked into the air then settles back down onto your furniture and carpet.
But if your fan is constantly blowing, it sucks up some airborne dust via your return register where it can get captured by your AC’s filter.
Wish to save another 10% on electric bills? Having your system serviced and considering installing a programmable Thermostat. Nick & Cindy Davis work with several AC companies and are willing to assist you at any time. To reach us, simply click here or give us a call at 813-300-7116.