The climate in Miami is known for having relatively high temperatures and notoriously high levels of humidity. This makes air conditioning units among the most popular housing amenities in the city. Many residents want their homes to be a refuge, where they can relax and cool off away from the hot sun.
The question of whether to set the fan to ON or AUTO on the thermostat is one that boggles the minds of many homeowners. Both settings affect the internal environment of your home in a different way. So, it’s important to know which setting is most suitable and how homeowners can maximize the usage of their air conditioning systems.
In this article, we’ll look at what these settings mean for homeowners and the resultant effects they may have on your home’s interior. We’ll also expound on which settings work best for the climate in Miami so you can maximize the comfort in your home.
The Difference Between the ON and AUTO Fan Settings on Your Thermostat
The primary functions of an air conditioning system are to lower the temperatures and dehumidify the air. These two functions are covered by the temperature adjustment setting on your thermostat and the fan settings. The settings help to determine the level of atmospheric comfort you receive in your home.
Apart from impacting your home’s internal environment, the settings also affect the performance of your air conditioning system in the long run. For this reason, it’s important to understand the difference between the two fan settings on your thermostat.
The ON setting means that the fan on your air conditioning system will stay on for the entire time, regardless of whether the system is actively lowering or raising the temperature. In contrast, the AUTO setting limits the fan’s functionality to when the system is adjusting the temperature levels in your home. Let’s take a look at the implications of these settings.
The Advantages of Switching the Fan Settings to ON
Having the air conditioning fan set to ON means that it will be functioning throughout, whether or not the system is actively adjusting the temperature. The benefits of this include:
Uniformity of the Internal Temperature
Keeping the fan on means that the air within your house will continuously circulate to create uniformity. This is especially advantageous in multi-story homes where hot air rises to the upper floors, creating an unbearable temperature difference. The fan helps to minimize this difference and creates a balance in the internal atmospheric temperature.
Improved Air Quality
Keeping the fan on also helps to eliminate any allergens and pollutants that may have been floating in the air. When the air conditioning fan is turned on, the air filter also starts to function and removes the particulate matter such as dust from the air.
This makes the air more breathable for people with allergies and respiratory conditions.
The Drawbacks of Switching the Fan Settings to ON
Higher Maintenance Costs
Having the fan constantly running compromises the performance of the system causing it to have occasional breakdowns. This in turn increases the overall cost of repair to have it functioning at optimal efficiency.
Higher Electric Bills
The cost of electricity is expected to be significantly higher when you let the air conditioning fan run consistently.
A Congested Air Filter
When you switch the fan settings to ON, you run the risk of congesting the air filter. Since the air filter will also be left running, it is likely to capture more dust and other particles that might clog the system.
Increased Humidity
Constant circulation of the air keeps the evaporator coil warm thus not providing ample time for the humid air to properly condense within the system. This means that the humid air will be recirculated back into the house and can attract pests like cockroaches as well as mold.
Why it’s Beneficial to Set the Fan to AUTO
The greatest advantage of having the fan set to AUTO is that it allows the evaporator coil to cool down and condense the humid air. This means that the water content from the atmosphere will be reduced and it will drain through the system’s condensate line.
Other benefits include the optimum functionality of the air conditioning system. When the condensate line consistently drains water, it effectively prevents any clogs from occurring. The air filter will also be at a lower risk of damage because it won’t be operating constantly. This will reduce your overall maintenance costs.
Which Settings Work Better in Miami?
As previously mentioned, the city of Miami is known for its high levels of humidity throughout the year. High humidity is unfortunately one of the main contributors to mold growth, especially in houses with wooden frames.
Even though uniformity in the internal temperature sounds appealing, too much humidity can cause damage to your property. Mold growth can cause significant damage to wooden structures and compromise their capability.
Most homeowners’ insurance policies would not compensate you for mold damage caused by excessive humidity. This means that you would have to personally incur the costs of mold testing and remediation. Overall, the cost of having the fan settings turned on outweighs any benefits you might enjoy.
In addition, mold growth can cause various respiratory complications and turn your home into a health hazard. For this reason, it is recommended to have the fan set to AUTO on the thermostat, especially in hot and humid climates like Miami. Mold growth puts your family’s health at risk and it simply cannot be left unchecked.
Bottom Line
Though it may be appealing to have better air quality and uniform temperatures within your home, mold growth is simply not worth the risk. Having less humidity in your home’s internal atmosphere is necessary to protect your family’s health and to keep your home in great condition.
At Income Realty Home Watch, we understand how important it is to care for your property. Our home watch services provide you with peace of mind knowing that your property will be maintained in peak condition throughout the year. Get in touch with us today for more information on how we can help look after your property.
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