If you’re like most people, you probably leave the fan setting on your thermostat set to “Auto” throughout the winter. When the fan is set to “Auto,” it will only run and circulate air around the house when the furnace is on and will shut off almost immediately after the furnace turns off. If you switch the fan to the “On” setting, it will instead run continuously. Having the fan run continuously provides some benefits, but there are also some obvious downsides you should consider when deciding which setting is right for your home.
Pro: More Even Temperatures Throughout the House
The biggest benefit of running the fan continuously is that it helps to distribute heat more evenly throughout the house, helping you to avoid hot and cold spots in different areas. Certain parts of a house are usually better at retaining heat, whereas other areas, like the basement, tend to stay cooler and may not always get fully heated before the furnace shuts off. When the fan runs continuously, it essentially mixes the warmer and cooler air in these areas, so the temperature remains more consistent in all rooms of the house.
Pro: Better Indoor Air Quality
Running the fan continuously also helps to improve indoor air quality. The air the fan draws into the HVAC system will get filtered to help remove dust, allergens, and other contaminants. Leaving the fan running allows a much higher level of air filtration that will further reduce the concentration of allergens and contaminants in the home.
Con: Higher Electricity Bills
One of the biggest drawbacks to continuously running the fan is that it will lead to your electricity bills being higher. If the fan is set to “Auto,” it typically won’t run for more than 30 minutes an hour. That means it will use twice as much electricity if it is left to run continuously. Most furnace fans use between 500 and 1,000 watts of electricity per hour. For a standard 500-watt fan, you usually will spend around $20-$30 more per month in electricity if you leave it running continuously. While that isn’t a huge difference, it’s still something you should consider.
Con: Increased Wear and Tear
>HVAC fans sometimes wear out sooner than the other equipment, especially in homes that have both central heating and air conditioning. If you leave the fan running continuously during the winter, it will obviously experience more wear and tear than it would if it only ran alongside the furnace. The increased wear and tear can often lead to the bearings wearing out sooner and needing to be replaced. It will also typically shorten the life of the fan motor and cause it to fail before the furnace does. The average cost to replace the motor is around $500 to $600, but larger, more powerful motors can cost anywhere from $1,000-$2,000 to replace.
Con: More Frequent Filter Changes
Most homeowners only need to replace the filter for their furnace every two to three months. If you leave the fan running continuously, you’ll typically need to replace the filter more often than you would if you had it set to “Auto.” Air filters aren’t all that expensive, but the cost of needing to buy additional filters still adds up over time. One way to avoid this extra cost is to buy a high-quality reusable filter instead of using disposable filters. A reusable filter is less convenient since you need to wash it regularly and then wait for it to dry before reinstalling it. Nonetheless, a reusable filter is much more cost-effective in the long term. The only thing you need to be aware of is that you don’t want the furnace or the fan running without a filter in place. As such, you may want to buy two filters. That way, you always have a spare filter on hand when you need to remove and wash the other one.
With over 40 years of professional experience, Bratcher Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. is the company to trust for dependable heating services in Peoria, Champaign, Bloomington, Normal, and the surrounding communities. Our dedicated team of heating experts is ready to assist with your furnace needs. From maintenance and repairs to system replacements, we have the solutions to help you beat the chilly Illinois winter. To schedule service or get honest answers to any questions you have, contact us today.
