6 Benefits of Always Running Your HVAC Fan
A properly sized and installed furnace and air conditioner should serve your home well for many years. The HVAC fan is an important part of the system’s operation. Homeowners often don’t realize they should consider running it all the time.
The fan is controlled from the thermostat; you can set it to “Auto” and the fan will be turned on when needed, or you can switch it to “On” and the fan will run nonstop. While a fan that won’t stop can indicate a technical problem, intentionally running it continuously can have many benefits.
Here’s why you should run your HVAC fan all the time:
1. Improved Air Circulation
The fan will circulate air more effectively, which is important since hot air rises to the ceiling and cold air sinks to the floor. It may feel chilly where you’re sitting or on lower floors when your HVAC system is working fine. With your fan always running, cooler air will be drawn up and mixed with warmer air, providing more stable temperatures throughout your home.
2. Higher Efficiency/Lower Energy Bills
You won’t have to keep resetting the thermostat to get a comfortable temperature. The heat already produced now reaches where you are. Energy Star-rated equipment runs even more efficiently thanks to variable-speed motors. When these are run continuously, they can adjust according to demand, thereby wasting less energy and lowering your utility bills.
3. Increased Furnace Lifespan
Newer furnaces often include fans designed to run all the time. While many people think doing so will cause premature equipment failure, this isn’t true. If your system was properly installed and the ductwork is correctly sized and configured, running the fan continuously won’t do any harm. It can reduce the strain on your furnace, potentially extending its operating life. As for the motor, startup is the most strenuous stage, and it’s easier on the mechanism if the HVAC fan is running constantly.
4. Less Moisture
Air circulating in your home helps dry out areas where there’s excess moisture. A bathroom can be quite humid after a shower, but air circulation provides a means for the moisture to escape. That makes it harder for mold to grow and the air in your home safer to breathe.
5. Improved Comfort
Moving air produces a wind chill effect. Therefore, always running your HVAC fan helps you feel cooler in the summer, even if you don’t have air conditioning. But you can also turn the thermostat up a few degrees and still achieve a sufficient comfort level. And as you go from room to room, the temperature won’t go from hot to cool depending on where you are.
6. Better Air Quality
A constantly running fan allows air to continuously pass through the filter. The system can therefore remove more dust, allergens, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). When you install an air scrubber, you can sterilize mold, while electronic air quality systems can help reduce odors. A UV light can even be installed in your ductwork to kill bacteria, viruses, and microbes.
However, there are times when you should be cautious about running your HVAC fan all the time. For example, if you have ductwork in your attic, high temperatures in the summer can be transported to other parts of your home by the fan. Another potential issue is a duct leak. If your ductwork isn’t sealed and airtight, the fan can circulate pollutants from outside. Regular maintenance can spot these and other issues to ensure your HVAC system is running properly.
Contact Sky Heating & Air Conditioning
Our certified technicians are trusted for high-quality, professional HVAC and air quality services in the Portland area. We provide HVAC system installation, repair, and maintenance. Upgrades that can address indoor air pollution, humidity issues, mold, or allergies can be provided as well. Solutions include UV air treatment systems, electronic air cleaners, and whole-house air purification systems. Also, if you need help with your AC, furnace, or HVAC fan, reach out to us online or call 503-673-9083.