Should I Run the HVAC Blower Fan or AC When I’m Not Home?
As summer temperatures rise across the Portland Metro area, everyone wants to come home to a cool, climate-controlled house, without elevated utility costs. What’s the best solution to beat the heat, without breaking the bank? Our Portland and Beaverton residential HVAC installers at AAA Heating and Cooling have the answers!
What Should You Know About Your Home’s AC Unit & Blower Fan?
Let’s face it, we all love the cooling effect of fans. The sensation of air on our skin provides a refreshing and invigorating way to help combat the heat, feel more comfortable, and breathe a little easier on more humid days. However, are there any benefits to running the blower fan in your home without turning on your residential AC unit?
In certain situations it might be more energy efficient to run the blower. If it’s stuffy inside, and the outdoor temperatures are cool, running the fan for a short time can definitely help. There are even programmable systems that will automatically run your HVAC blower fan 10 to 15 minutes every hour.
While it might seem like a good idea to circulate air in your home via your whole-home air fan, doing so might cost you unnecessary dollars without providing any relief from the heat. On warmer summer days your air ducts are going to heat up, so turning on the fan means you are just circulating hot air throughout your home. What is the rule of thumb for choosing the blower fan over AC? We don’t recommend running the fan during the warmer months. It won’t help reduce stuffiness and might end up making your home more uncomfortable. Instead, let the air conditioning unit do its job.
Should You Turn Off Your AC When You’re Not Home?
We know AC units are the best way to keep your home comfortable during the summer, but is it a good idea to turn off your AC unit when you are not at home?
Most homeowners in the Portland Metro area assume it’s best to shut off their air conditioners before they leave the house. At AAA we have a better solution: keep the AC on, but turn the thermostat up 7-10 degrees. Not only will this ensure an enjoyable temp and a lower humidity level when you get home, but running the AC also helps prevent mold growth and bug infestations.
Beating the Heat: 6 Pro Tips from Our HVAC Installers
At AAA Heating and Cooling we know beating the summer heat requires a well functioning home AC unit. Here are some tips to help keep you cool as well as extend the life of your air HVAC system:
- Replace your air filter every one to two months.
- Check to make sure all vents are free from obstruction: furniture, rugs, curtains, etc.
- Keep up with your annual HVAC service and maintenance.
- Upgrade to a programmable thermostat.
- Have a professional clean your ducts and do a thorough inspection for any leaks.
- Invest in a new air conditioning unit.
Have questions on how you can stay cool and save money this summer? Contact our team of HVAC experts. Serving the Portland Metro area, our knowledgeable staff will aid you in finding the best air conditioning unit for your home. Plus, our trained HVAC contractors can provide top-notch maintenance, installation, and repair. Visit our locations in Portland or Beaverton for assistance, or call us directly to set up an appointment.