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There's one clear winner for daily usage—but there are some exceptions.
Key Takeaways
- Setting your AC to "Auto" helps maintain consistent temperatures and reduces energy use by running the fan only when cooling is needed.
- Using the "On" setting can lead to higher energy bills since the fan runs continuously, even when cooling isn't required.
- The "Auto" mode is generally the better choice for balancing comfort, efficiency, and cost savings.
The AC is a common source of debate in many households. Whether it's about finding the right temperature for maximum comfort or saving money on energy bills, people have some pretty strong opinions about the "right" way to use the AC. Some of the common settings on a typical central air thermostat can also cause confusion, like the difference between the "on" setting and the "auto" setting. So, we asked HVAC pros to clear things up and confirm the right setting to choose for maximum efficiency and efficacy—personal preferences and opinions aside.
What's the Difference Between the "Auto" and "On" Settings on the AC?
For starters, the "Auto" and "On" settings on your unit or thermostat refer specifically to the fan inside your unit. "When the fan is set to 'on,' the fan is constantly running," explains Stewart Parnacott, PhD, owner of Varsity Zone HVAC and Chief Clinical Officer at Ready Wellness. "Whether the AC is cooling or not, the system is pulling air through the vents in a continuous cycle. 'Auto' only runs the fan when the system is engaged in active cooling, and the units shuts off once the thermostat reaches the set point temperature."
"Think of 'auto' like a motion sensor light that only turns on when needed," adds Gerrit Jan Reinders, HVAC expert and CEO of Reinders Corporation. "'On' is like leaving your lights on all day long."
So, the difference between these two settings is that the "on" setting has the fan running constantly, while the "auto" setting has the fan running only sometimes—but there's more to consider in order to determine which setting is the right choice for your home. While there's one setting that experts agree is best for daily use, there's a time and place for both the "auto" and "on" settings, so it's a good idea to understand the benefits and use cases for each.
When to Use the "Auto" Setting on Your AC
Every HVAC expert told us the same thing: The "auto" setting is the clear choice for everyday use. The primary reason for this is that the "auto" setting saves energy, and therefore, money. "It's more energy efficient since your fan isn't running 24/7," says Reinders. "Running your fan all the time can add $20 to $50 to your monthly electric bill."
TJ Laury, the president at Ben's ProServ, echoes that point, adding that the "auto" setting balances comfort with efficiency. "Continuous fan usage [during the 'on' setting] will significantly increase your energy bills and cause more wear and tear on your fan motor and overall system," he says.
However, one potential downside of the "auto" setting is that the air can end up feeling a bit too still in between cooling cycles, since the fan won't be running. But Benjamin Uscilla, HVAC technician and owner of Evergreen Heating and Cooling, has an easy solution for that. "Sometimes, the best trick is just to run ceiling fans and bump the thermostat up a couple degrees," he says. "You’ll still feel cool, and it’ll help with cost."
When to Use the "On" Setting on Your AC
While all the experts agree on using the "auto" setting for daily usage, they also say there are instances where the "on" setting is the better choice. In fact, Danny Pen, an HVAC expert and the president of New Era Plumbing & HVAC, sums it up quite well: "'Auto' for everyday use, and 'on' for special occasions."
So, what are those special occasions? One circumstance that might warrant the use of the "on" setting is if you have hot and cold spots around your house. "If your bedroom is always warmer than your living room, running the fan all the time helps mix the air and even out those temperature differences," Reinders says. The constant airflow can help create more balance among rooms that never seem to stay at the right temperature.
The "on" setting can also be a good defense against humidity in the house. "It's a good option if you need to reduce humidity build-up in basements or stuffy areas outside of cooling cycles," says Pen. However, this isn't a reliable fix in all instances. "If the climate where you live is humid, 'on' can actually make the house feel a little muggy, since the fan alone doesn’t pull moisture out of the air," Parnacott explains.
The final consideration that may make the "on" setting a better choice in some instances is if you or someone in your household deals with allergies or asthma, since the air will keep moving through your filter constantly. "If you live in a very dusty, allergen-heavy, or wildfire-prone area, running 'on' with a high-efficiency filter during certain hours, like night, can improve indoor air quality if paired with a sealed, well-maintained duct system," Pen says.
Read the original article on Real Simple
