Is It Best to Set the Thermostat to Fan On or Auto?

Take a look at your thermostat. Upon close inspection, you’ll notice that you can make the decision to either set the fan to “auto” or “on.” But do you know which setting is best for your home comfort needs? Take some time to learn the key differences between the two so you can make the right choice when setting the thermostat.

Key Differences Between Fan Settings

An air conditioner is designed to complete two basic tasks: to cool your home’s air and to move the air. Air is cooled based upon the temperature settings you enter into the thermostat, and it’s distributed throughout the house as fan settings are adjusted. When your thermostat is set to “auto,” the fan will only kick on when the air is being cooled or heated. A fan set to “on” will continue to move air even after the cooling or heating cycle has been completed.

Pros and Cons of Setting the Fan to “Auto”

The benefits of setting the thermostat so that the fan is on “auto” far outweigh any drawbacks. Although the system will cycle on and off more frequently which could speed up wear and tear, you’ll save on cooling costs. You’ll also enjoy increased home comfort as a fan set to “auto” is better at controlling humidity.

Pros and Cons of Setting the Fan to “On”

Those who set their fans to “on” do so because they enjoy consistent airflow and the even distribution of cooled air. On especially dry days, leaving the fan on for a few minutes after the cooling cycle completes can actually improve A/C efficiency, but that doesn’t mean you should run the system 24/7. This will waste a lot of energy and raise your cooling costs. It can also create humid conditions as air passes over wet coils after the condenser cycles off and re-humidifies the house.

To learn more about setting the thermostat, reach out to the pros at Stack Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electric. We serve the greater Cleveland area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Cleveland, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about thermostats and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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