Additional info: My AC is always off. If its too hot I turn on the ceiling fan, if its too cold I put on more layers of clothing. I just want to save money. I would guess setting the fan to auto would save more but is there any detriment to keeping the AC fan on auto and not constantly running?
I don't know why those things even have an On feature. If you're looking to save money, never use On -- it just burns electricity to blow hot air around. Ceiling fans can do that better.
With the fan on auto + AC/heat, you'll notice that the fan turns on for limited bursts. So, it shouldn't be surprising that AC fan motors are designed for intermittent use and can actually shorten their lifespan with continuous use. Just open some windows and keep the ceiling fans running.
Thanks for the help. With no AC use + no AC fan use I should be saving a killing in electricity bills.
If your evaporator coils freeze over, the on position thaws it out quickly, though I would guess they shouldn't be completely frozen over when trying this, and I'm not sure how good or bad it is for it. It is perhaps notable, though, since you're asking about using your AC in December.
I think the detriment would be NOT to keep it on auto, and have it constantly running. Your fan operates alongside with your A/C unit and your heater. All the fan does is suck air in through your filter and into the system, and back out the vents. Even if it is nice inside, you should run your A/C every now and then, if not for the cooling, then to condition the air and get the moisture out of it. The inside of a house, regardless of preferred temperature, should not be humid, and in Houston it doesn't matter if it's hot or cold outside; eventually it's going to be humid and eventually, that humidity is going to make it's way inside little by little.
Also, if you don't run the AC, that humidity will turn into mold and mildew inside your vents. You don't wanna be breathing that.
exactly the sort of thing I was talking about. mold and mildew can cause havoc both for the homeowner and home.
Running the Fan continuously uses about the same amount of electricity and serves about the same purpose as a house full of ceiling fans. It's not going to change the temperature of the space, but it will move stagnant air, eliminating cold/warm spots, and provide comfort by increasing convection and evaporative cooling effects on your skin in the summer. In winter air movement feels like a draft, so might as well leave everything off. It's counter-intuitive, but wear and tear as well as the majority of energy use occurs during the heavy torque required to start a motor. Motors are happiest and most efficient when running regularly at the appropriate speed. This is one reason to Never oversize an air conditioner. If your evap coils are freezing up you have a problem... likely either dirty filter, dirty coil, low on freon, or oversized a/c.
Moving air feels cooler than non-moving air because it moves heat away from your body. When the compressor shuts off the cooling coils are still cold, if the fan shuts off you don't get that into the living area. I leave my fan on with the A/C and auto with heat.
