What Does the AC Fan Do?

Your air conditioner has a fan that turns on/off with the compressor. However, you can select “Fan Mode” so the fan stays on even if the unit isn’t cooling your home. Either way, the fan will blow to circulate air. The AC fan is an essential part of your air conditioning system. We’ll explain this in more detail to answer the question, “What does the AC fan do?”

How an AC Fan Works

An air conditioner works using a refrigerant that’s condensed and evaporated in a repeating cycle. The refrigerant is converted into a gas by the compressor and to a liquid by the condenser. It absorbs heat as it passes through the indoor evaporator coil. The AC fan blows warmer indoor air across this coil and pushes cooled air into the duct system to be circulated throughout your home.

The fan is contained in the blower unit and controlled by an electric motor. The outdoor unit also has a fan that pulls air through the outdoor coil. This process allows the system to release heat that has been absorbed from inside the home. Central, split-system, ductless, and packaged air conditioners all use fans.

How to Set the AC Fan

Your AC controls allow you to select “On” or “Auto”. Setting it to “Auto” enables the blower fan to run as long as the system is generating cool air. However, the fan will shut off once the room reaches the set temperature. “Auto Mode” allows the system to run at peak efficiency and reduces energy use. It also helps reduce wear and tear on the fan.

You can also set the AC fan to “On” or “Fan Mode” depending on your system. The fan will continue running without the compressor. While this can increase energy use, it can distribute air more evenly and continuously. The unit will distribute and circulate cool air that’s already present.

What Does the AC Fan Do In Other AC Modes?

The fan plays a role in other modes as well. It will run when your air conditioner is providing cool air but also operates when your AC is in “Dry Mode”. The system won’t need to reduce the temperature and the fan can run slower to remove excess moisture from the air in your home. In “Power Saver Mode”, the AC will automatically turn off the compressor when it reaches the target temperature and turn on again when needed.

“Sleep Mode” can help your AC run more efficiently. It increases the thermostat temperature in small increments each hour. You won’t feel a difference in comfort but small temperature variations can improve efficiency in terms of cooling and fan performance. It’s another option if you’re concerned about whether leaving the fan on will consume more energy.

Contact Sky Heating & Air Conditioning to Learn More

If you’ve been asking “What does the AC fan do?”, we hope this explanation has helped. Our representatives will be happy to explain it in greater detail. We deliver high-quality AC, heating, and other home services in Portland and The Dalles. Our skilled HVAC technicians specialize in all types of AC repair and can troubleshoot or replace your AC fan. To request help, schedule service online or call (503) 563-2698 now.