Did you know that your furnace fan plays a crucial role in balancing home comfort and energy efficiency? Knowing when to set your furnace fan to Auto versus On is essential in knowing how to optimize efficiency and comfort. It can be a controversial subject, but we offer you professional recommendations on which setting to choose to get the most out of your HVAC system.
The Role of Your Furnace Fan
What does the fan in your furnace do? Basically, it’s responsible for the circulation and distribution of air throughout the system and the conditioned space. Its primary functions are to:
- Circulate air
- Regulate temperature
- Filter air
- Control humidity
- Improve efficiency
On vs. Auto Function
If you’ve ever wondered about the differences between the Auto and On settings on your HVAC system, we break it down for you here.
AUTO Mode:
When your system is set to Auto, the fan turns on automatically only when your HVAC system is heating or cooling. Once your thermostat hits the desired temperature, the fan stops until the next cycle.
ON Mode:
Switching the fan to On means your fan operates non-stop, blowing air even when your HVAC system isn’t actively heating or cooling. This creates a constant airflow throughout your home.
When to Use “ON”
Selecting “On” means the fan runs continuously, reducing wear and tear on the motor by avoiding frequent starts and stops. This setting also improves circulation, allowing for more consistent comfort. Plus, it can enhance filtration, removing dust and debris, as the air is passed through the filter more frequently. Generally with most makes and models of furnaces, the “On” mode sets the fan at a lower speed than the usual cooling or heating speeds, reducing air noise and electrical consumption.
When to Use “AUTO”
Opting for “Auto” allows the fan to cycle on and off with the HVAC equipment. During summer, this can help ease the workload on the cooling equipment by avoiding the recirculation of heat and humidity in every cycle. However, aside from that, with today’s advanced ECM blowers in many furnaces, there is minimal benefit to running your fan in Auto mode.
Unless the window is open, it’s usually recommended by most manufacturers and HVAC professionals to run the fan in the “On” position for the best overall comfort and performance.
Contact Delta for Help with Your Furnace
If you have more questions about your furnace or the fan, including how to improve energy efficiency in your home, don’t hesitate to contact us. Aside from offering professional advice, we can recommend equipment and steps to take to enhance the overall performance and efficiency of your HVAC system.
Contact Delta to learn more or get a free quote.
Delta Air Systems Ltd. has been proudly serving the HVAC needs of the Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph regions since the 1950s. We strive to provide our clients with reliable service and cost-effective solutions.
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