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Get 7.79¢/kWh for electricity and $3.89/GJ for natural gas on a 2-year plan.
Check out our energy plans for restaurants and learn how to make your business more energy efficient.
Want to know more about your energy options? Looking for ways to save on energy usage? We're here to help you make an educated decision.
Manage your energy account anytime. View bills, make payments, track your energy use, access rewards and more—all in one place.
How to Set Your Air Conditioning and Furnace Fan
Updated on August 25, 2026
3-minute read
How to Set Your Air Conditioning and Furnace Fan
Updated on August 25, 2026
3-minute read
Your furnace fan helps circulate heated and cooled air throughout your home, but the setting you choose affects both energy use and airflow. Setting the furnace fan to auto means it runs only during heating or cooling cycles, while keeping the fan running continuously.
The auto setting generally uses less electricity, while running the fan continuously provides more consistent air circulation and filtration. Understanding the trade-offs can help you choose the furnace fan setting that works best for your comfort, indoor air quality and energy-efficiency priorities.
Your furnace and air conditioning system help you control the temperature in your home. They also help circulate the indoor air, which keeps your heating and cooling consistent throughout the house. That is essential for keeping your home comfortable year-round!
Your heating and cooling system has a few fan settings. You can adjust them to improve energy efficiency and make sure you’re comfortable.
Most furnace and air conditioning systems have two fan settings: "on" and "auto." The labels may not be super clear, so here is what each setting does:
So, which is best? Well, it depends on your personal preference!
The best benefit of using the automatic fan setting is saving energy. It won’t turn on when the AC and furnace aren’t doing their thing, so you won’t be paying for that energy to keep it running. It also means your fan motor will get to take breaks, reducing wear and tear and the need for repairs or a replacement.
On the flip side, allowing the fan to switch off will also stop the constant air circulation in your home. Some people might feel the air feels stagnant, as it won’t be filtered as often. That means dust, pollen and other allergens can linger longer.
An always-on fan setting shines in areas where the automatic function falls short. If the fan is blowing constantly, the air in your home is continuously filtered and replaced. That means your indoor air quality should remain top-notch. This can be a lifesaver for people with asthma, allergies or other respiratory health issues.
Because your HVAC system is constantly pushing air through the filter, you’ve got to stay on top of changing it regularly. A clogged filter can reduce efficiency and reduce indoor air quality.
What are the cons of the “on” setting? Well, it is constantly running, which means you’re constantly using energy (and paying for it) to keep it running. It could increase electricity bills and wear out the fan motor. That means you might need to repair or replace it more often, but it might be worth the extra cost for people who need more air circulation.
Finally, using the fan when the air conditioner isn't cooling can draw humid air back into the house in the summer, making it feel warmer. That counteracts your AC’s cooling efforts!
Overall, it's up to you to weigh the pros and cons of each setting and choose one that best suits your needs. You can also investigate options like a variable-speed blower or hooking your HVAC system into a smart thermostat to improve efficiency. Smart thermostats usually give you more than two fan options and can help make your home comfortable without a huge increase in energy use.
If you need help with your HVAC settings, need repairs or are ready for an upgrade, connect with a reputable HVAC company in your area.
The best setting depends on your priorities. Auto generally uses less electricity because the fan runs only during heating or cooling cycles, while on provides continuous air circulation and filtration.
Operating costs depend on current electricity and natural gas rates, the efficiency of the stove and how often you cook. Comparing local energy rates can help you estimate which option may cost less for your household.
Yes. Auto allows the fan to turn off between heating and cooling cycles, reducing how long the motor runs and therefore lowering its electricity use.
Yes. Keeping the fan on continuously circulates and filters air more often, which can provide more consistent airflow throughout the home.
It depends on your home and comfort needs. Continuous circulation can improve airflow, but running the fan when your air conditioner is not cooling can use additional electricity and may draw humidity back into the home.
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