If you have a furnace at home, you might be wondering whether you should run your furnace fan on Auto or Circulate. Both options have their pros and cons, so it’s important to understand the differences and determine which one is best for your home.
Understanding the Difference between Auto and Circulate
Before we dive into the pros and cons of each option, it’s important to understand what each one does.
- Auto : When you set your furnace fan to auto, it will only turn on when your furnace is actively heating your home. Once your home reaches the desired temperature, the fan will automatically shut off.
- Circulate : When you set your furnace fan to Circulate, it will run continuously, even when your furnace is not actively heating your home. This option is designed to improve air circulation and air quality throughout your home.
Pros and Cons of Running Furnace Fan on AUTO
Let’s start with the pros and cons of running your furnace fan on auto:
Pros
Here are some of the advantages of running furnace fan on auto :
- Energy Efficiency : When your furnace fan is set to auto, it will only turn on when it’s needed. This means it will consume less energy than if it were running continuously.
- Lower Utility Bills : Because your furnace fan is not running constantly, you may see a decrease in your utility bills.
- Quieter Operation : Since the fan only runs when the furnace is actively heating your home, it will be quieter than if it were running constantly.
Cons
While it has advantages, this option also has some disadvantages, such as :
- Poor Air Quality : When your furnace fan is set to auto, the air in your home may not circulate as effectively, which could lead to poor air quality.
- Inconsistent Temperature : If your furnace fan is only turning on when the furnace is actively heating your home, there may be inconsistencies in temperature throughout your home.
Pros and Cons of Running Furnace Fan on Circulate
Now let’s take a look at the pros and cons of running your furnace fan on Circulate:
Pros
- Improved Air Quality : When your furnace fan is set to Circulate, it will continuously circulate the air in your home, which can help improve air quality by reducing allergens and pollutants.
- More Consistent Temperature : Because the fan is running continuously, the temperature throughout your home will be more consistent.
- Humidity Control : Running your furnace fan on Circulate can help control humidity levels in your home.
Cons
- Higher Energy Consumption : Running your furnace fan on Circulate will consume more energy than running it on AUTO, which could lead to higher utility bills.
- Louder Operation : Since the fan is running continuously, it will be louder than if it were running on AUTO.
Which Option is Right for You?
Ultimately, the decision of whether to run your furnace fan on AUTO or Circulate depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are concerned about energy efficiency and noise levels, AUTO may be the best option for you. If you have concerns about air quality and temperature consistency, Circulate may be a better choice.
It’s also worth noting that some furnaces come equipped with a variable speed fan that can provide the benefits of both options. These fans can run at a lower speed when the furnace is not actively heating your home, which helps improve air quality and temperature consistency while still maintaining energy efficiency.
Conclusion
In summary, whether to run your furnace fan on AUTO or Circulate is a personal choice that depends on your specific needs and preferences. It’s important to consider the pros and cons of each option and choose the one that best suits your lifestyle.
You can also read our other article titled furnace blower keeps running but no heat coming out of it.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people has regarding furnace fan :
Q. Will running my furnace fan on Circulate improve air quality in my home?
Yes, running your furnace fan on Circulate can help improve air quality in your home by reducing the amount of dust, allergens, and pollutants in the air.
Q. Will running my furnace fan on AUTO save me money on my utility bills?
Yes, running your furnace fan on AUTO can help save you money on your utility bills since it only runs when the furnace is actively heating your home.
Q. Can I switch between AUTO and Circulate depending on the season?
Yes, you can switch between AUTO and Circulate depending on your specific needs. For example, you may want to use Circulate during the summer months to help improve air quality and reduce humidity levels.
Q. Does running my furnace fan on Circulate use a lot of electricity?
Yes, running your furnace fan on Circulate will use more electricity than running it on AUTO. However, if you have concerns about air quality or temperature consistency, it may be worth the extra energy consumption.
Q. Can a variable speed fan provide the benefits of both AUTO and Circulate?
Yes, a variable speed fan can provide the benefits of both options by running at a lower speed when the furnace is not actively heating your home. This helps improve air quality and temperature consistency while still maintaining energy efficiency.
