A significant increase in energy consumption is to be expected in most households now that the colder months are here. This is understandable; after all, the demand for heating becomes more significant as the outdoor temperatures drop. With that in mind, many homeowners look for ways to achieve savings on their heating expenses. Some set their heaters to “ON”, while others set them to “AUTO”.
What’s the difference between these settings? Is one better than the other? EZ Air Conditioning and Heating, your trusted heater installation company, answers these questions and more below.
Heater Setting Basics
Keeping the heater on the ON setting means that the unit’s fan will continue working to provide heated air throughout your home. The AUTO setting, meanwhile, means that the fan will run until the temperature reading on the thermostat is reached.
Choosing either one of these heater settings boils down to preference. Then again, it will have an impact on your utility bills and on other factors like the frequency of changing air filters, the consistency of comfort throughout your home, and the level of heater service.
Pros and Cons of Setting the Heater to ON
When you set your heating system to ON, the air continues to cycle through the unit’s filtration system. As long as you change its filters regularly, you can be sure of better air quality. Plus, retaining this setting means an even distribution of heated air throughout the house. One of its downsides, however, is that it uses up more energy, which will reflect on your monthly utility bill. It is also possible that the fan will continue running even when the system isn’t producing heat. As a result, there may be times when your living spaces feel chilly even when the unit is on.
Pros and Cons of Setting the Heater to AUTO
In this setting, you only allow the heating system to provide warmth to your living spaces based on the temperature you set on the thermostat. Once the desired comfort is reached, the unit will stop working, starting up again when needed. Switching to AUTO means the unit will consume less energy even when it runs non-stop. This also means that the dirt and dust won’t accumulate on the air filters faster. The stops and starts, however, can expose the heater to wear and tear. Inconsistent comfort is also likely with this setting, though this can be improved through adequate insulation and balanced ductwork.
EZ Air Conditioning and Heating is your trusted contractor for all your heating repair and replacement needs. Our team makes sure each job is done properly, so you can rest assured that your system will function smoothly this winter. Give us a call at (210) 429-9186, or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.
