Cooler weather has finally arrived in the Permian Basin, so you’ve likely switched your HVAC from cool to heat. Depending on the weather outside, you may be tempted to constantly run your furnace, but is that really the best for your home and wallet? In this post, we’ll examine the best way to run the heat – to keep you comfortable and keep costs down!
LEAVING THE FAN “ON”
Most thermostats have an “on” setting that keeps the fan on continually, and an “auto” setting that only kicks on when the temperature is outside of your comfort zone. It may seem that “auto” is the most efficient setting, but that’s not necessarily the case. Here are some reasons you might want to consider flipping the switch to “on.”
- People are at home for most of the day: On newer, more efficient models running the fan all day can be cost-effective.
- Someone in your family has allergies or other respiratory problems: Constantly circulating the air through your HVAC will help keep it cleaner.
- Some rooms are warmer or cooler than others: Leaving the heat on continuously will lead to less temperature fluctuation between rooms. This is especially true for multi-story homes.
LEAVING IT ON “AUTO”
Here are some reasons it would make more sense to leave the “auto” setting on your thermostat:
- Humidity: This isn’t a big factor in West Texas, but just leaving the fan on won’t get rid of moisture in the air like an air conditioner.
- Inefficient fans: If your furnace fan is older than about 20 years, it really was not built for constant use. Running them constantly is not cost-efficient.
- Attic unit: Since your attic can get extremely hot or cold, it means HVAC units located in the ceiling have to work a bit harder to maintain the temperature in your home. For that reason, “auto” is preferable if your HVAC is in the attic.
- Leaky ducts: If you have older ductwork for your HVAC system, you could be losing a lot of energy by running the fan. If you suspect you have leaky ducts, “auto” is more likely the way to go.
WORTH THE CALL
Deciding how you should set your thermostat isn’t as easy as it seems. The experts at The Bosworth Company can help you find that perfect balance between comfort and cost! Call us today at 432-570-5233 to make an appointment or schedule one online. We can give your system a thorough check and advise you on how your furnace can work best for you! It’s Worth the Call. Always.