Running an HVAC fan continuously may sound counterintuitive. You might thinking constantly running the HVAC fan would cost more, increase motor wear, and require more frequent filter changes. Believe it or not, there are hidden benefits to keeping the fan on.
While a furnace fan that won’t stop may signal a technical issue, setting the fan to “ON” at the thermostat can be good. After all, it’s designed to run continuously, and you may see several perks.
5 Perks of Always Running Your HVAC Fan
1. Improved Air Circulation
Heated and cooled air don’t always circulate properly. One reason is heat rises because it’s lighter, pushing cold air to lower floors and making upper floors and attics very warm. Running the fan evens out temperatures throughout every room in your home because it consistently brings warm and cool air together.
2. Longer Furnace Life
Running the furnace fan constantly won’t necessarily make it fail sooner. You can actually extend service life by keeping the fan on, provided that the equipment was properly installed, and your ductwork is correctly sized.
3. Lower Bills
Instead of being more costly to run, a variable-speed motor can reduce costs. This is especially the case if it is ENERGY STAR rated. Efficiency has other benefits as well, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the demand for importing energy.
4. Better Indoor Air Quality
Whenever the fan is on, air is going through the furnace filter. Leave it on continuously and you’re likely to see less dust around. It’s also important to have a good filter. The many types of HVAC filters can help reduce allergies, VOCs, as well as bacteria and viruses.
5. Lower Humidity
An HVAC fan helps circulate air, which in turn dries out moist areas such as bathrooms. Less moisture typically means less mold. This results in fewer odors and hazards to you and your family’s respiratory health.
Should I Always Keep My Fan Running?
It is usually a good idea to keep a modern HVAC or furnace fan on. However, if you have ductwork in your attic, the summer heat can make running the fan impractical. Temperatures well above 100℉ can end up in your main living space. It also won’t help if your ductwork is leaking. Make sure to have your ducts tested and sealed from time to time so your HVAC system is as efficient as it’s designed to be.
If you’re concerned about constant fan use and energy consumption, it could be a good idea to install a more efficient motor. Older furnaces tend to use PSC type motors. However, a high efficiency ECM motor can cut energy use despite running more often.
Get Help from Sky Heating, AC, Plumbing & Electrical
We provide a wide range of home services and employ the expertise, tools, and equipment to get the job done right. Updating your HVAC fan yourself might not be a good idea. Our staff can determine whether your fan is ready to be run all the time. They can provide advice and inspect and repair your air conditioning system and ductwork, so it offers the comfort, efficiency, and air quality you need. If you have any further questions about running an AC or furnace fan continuously, or suspect there’s a problem with your AC unit in Portland, schedule service on the web or call us directly at 541-275-2918.