Should a Furnace Fan Be on “On” or “Auto”?

Your home’s heating system can lead to high energy bills during a long winter in Illinois. If you’re looking for strategies to keep the house warmer without major increases in your utility bills, we have some suggestions. Thermostat setting recommendations from the United States Department of Energy can be particularly helpful in managing energy. Typically, these recommendations will encourage you to use an automatic setting rather than an on setting for your furnace fan.

Distinguishing Between the Fan and the Furnace

Your thermostat allows you to choose to operate your fan independently of the heater, which is helpful when heating is not necessary. If you set your thermostat to fan, the on setting will cause it to distribute air without any change in temperature, an excellent option for ventilation during pleasant weather. The heating equipment can operate with either an on or auto setting. Auto is ideal for maximizing energy savings because the system will cycle off when the desired temperature has been reached.

Energy-Efficient Thermostat Recommendations for Heating

Your waking temperature setting is referred to as your setpoint, which should be 70 degrees or less. Daytime activity may take you out of the house, which means less heating activity is needed. Daytime settings can be dropped by up to 8 degrees, and the setpoint can be used again in the evening. Night settings should be 4 degrees lower than your setpoint.

Potential Problems with the On Setting

Leaving your heater on constantly during the winter can result in overheating in your home. Additionally, gas heating can lower the humidity level in your home to an unhealthy level, especially with non-stop operation. Finally, excessive use could increase your risk of repair needs or replacement. Regular furnace maintenance is important for minimizing breakdown risks and identifying signs of wear.

Prompt Service in a Pinch

Assurance Heating & Air Conditioning is proud to offer service in emergency situations. Learn more about our furnace maintenance and repair services online or by calling our office at 847-388-0316.