Many people think fans and HVAC systems are two separate things, but there’s actually a fan inside of your HVAC system. If you have an older (non-Wi-Fi) thermostat, you’ve probably seen the setting. But what exactly is its purpose, and how should you use it? For such a seemingly simple device, your HVAC fan does wonders for your home.
The Purpose of Your HVAC System’s Fan
Your HVAC system has two different fans, the first of which is called a “condenser fan.” The condenser fan keeps your HVAC system from overheating. But that’s not the main focus of this article—the fan we’re talking about here is called your “blower fan,” which pushes the hot or cold air through your ducts and into your home. So, let’s take a look at the benefits of the blower fan which, from now on, we’ll just call the “fan.”
The Benefits of Your HVAC System’s Fan
Comfort
Your HVAC system creates hot and cold air. But that doesn’t do anyone any good if that air is trapped inside of your ducts. So, you need a mechanism that pushes that air out of the vents and into your home. That mechanism is the fan. The fan helps you create a temperature-controlled environment and all of the comfort that comes with it.
Air Quality
Not only does the fan push air through the ducts and into your home, it also pushes that air through an air filter. So, if you’re changing your air filter regularly and properly maintaining your system, the fan helps improve your air quality. It takes fresh, outdoor air, filters out the impurities, and sends you clean air.
Humidity
When the air in your home begins to stagnate, that creates pockets of damp, humid air. And that damp, humid air is really bad for your furniture, your home, and your health. So, it’s important to keep the air flowing. The fan inside of your HVAC system does exactly that. It cycles the air, which distributes the moisture in the air more evenly.
The “Fan Only” Setting
You’ve probably noticed there’s a “fan only” setting on your HVAC system. And that setting—as you might’ve guessed—allows you to turn on the fan without turning on the heating or cooling. When would this be a good idea? And why? Well, we’ll tell you:
- Use it during mild weather. In spring and fall, the temperatures may be mild enough that you don’t need to turn on the HVAC, but you still want a little airflow. You can use the “fan only” setting to create that airflow without paying for the heating and cooling that you don’t actually need.
- Use it while you’re gone. Are you going out of town for the weekend? If so, you’re in yet another situation where you don’t really want pay for temperature control. Consider turning on the fan before you go. You’ll come back to fresh air instead of stagnant air.
- It helps reduce waste. Energy is pretty expensive. And furthermore, we’re all trying to do our part to save the planet. So, the fan is a great way to conserve money and resources. You’ll get plenty of airflow without all of the waste.
- It can extend the life of your system. Your HVAC system, like anything else, experiences wear and tear. Using the “fan only” setting when the temps are milder can help reduce some of that wear and tear by targeting your use. Your fan only uses part of your HVAC system, which preserves the rest.
Should I Leave the Fan on All of the Time?
As with most things, there are pros and cons to leaving the fan running 24/7. Leaving the fan on all the time will help create a more consistent temperature in your home and can help with air quality, since all of the air that circulates through your home is first being blown through your air filter. On the other hand, running the fan constantly can lead to higher energy bills and shorten the lifespan of your fan’s motor. Choosing to leave the fan on or switch it to “auto” really depends on your home and your needs. Have a chat with your HVAC tech—they’ll be able to help you determine what’s best for you and your family.
So, there you have it. The trusty blower fan is yet another unsung hero of your HVAC system. Now that you know what it does and what the benefits of it are, you can use it to its best advantage. And if you have any questions or need your fan or HVAC system serviced…you know who to call!