Do you have any questions regarding the usage of your furnace system? Call Green Energy Mechanical Inc. today at 877-561-0627 to schedule a consultation.
Energy prices have maintained an upward curve in recent times. There’s also more awareness around our contribution toward global warming, so it’s no surprise that more homeowners are exploring the most efficient ways to run their HVAC systems.
As the top choice for furnace repair in Canton, our team at Green Energy Mechanical Inc. receives a lot of questions about the impact of the furnace fan. Should you leave your furnace fan on all the time? What are the pros and cons?
We’ll cover all the details below.
What Is the Role of the Furnace Fan?
The fan is one of the most important components of any furnace system. You’ll find it in the blower compartment attached to a blower motor.
When the furnace is working, the fan will blow conditioned air into your ductwork. Without the fan, there’s no way to transport the warmth from your furnace. Looking at the role the furnace fan plays, it may seem a good idea to leave it running at all times, but this is not always the case.
Leaving Your Furnace Fan on All the Time: What's the Truth?
Should you leave your furnace fan on all the time? The right answer is “it depends.” There is no one-size-fits-all answer for everyone. You should leave your furnace on if:
- You have a variable-speed fan.
- You have people at home throughout the day.
- Your ductwork won’t let in cold air.
- You need to keep indoor air quality as high as possible (due to respiratory health concerns).
If none of the above apply in your situation, most HVAC technicians would advise against running the fan all day.
The Advantages of Leaving Your Furnace Fan on All the Time
Some of the top benefits of leaving your furnace fan running all day include:
Better Temperature Distribution
Running the fan all day is a sure way to better regulate your home’s temperature. There will be far less temperature fluctuation from one room to the other as each room will get a steady flow of warm air.
You’ll notice this benefit a lot more in multi-story properties. Living areas on the upper level will no longer feel colder than ground floor rooms.
Better Indoor Air Quality
Do you have any seasonal allergies? Running the furnace fan all the time will keep the air inside your home fresh. The constant circulation will reduce the concentration of allergens in the air.
Increased Energy Efficiency
It sounds counterintuitive, but running the furnace fan all day can actually lower your energy bill. Since the fan can help ensure better heat distribution, the furnace will run fewer cycles, which means lower energy usage.
Longer Furnace Lifespan
Many people believe running the fan all day will cause the furnace to break down faster, but the reality is the opposite. Since leaving the fan on all day reduces the number of stop-start cycles, your furnace parts will last longer, increasing the equipment’s overall lifespan.
The Disadvantages of Leaving Your Furnace Fan Working All Day
Some of the disadvantages of leaving your furnace fan running all day include the following:
More Frequent Filter Changes
The furnace fan running all day means more contaminants become trapped in the filter. While this will improve indoor air quality, you need to change the filters more frequently to keep the system running efficiently.
Higher Energy Bills
As mentioned above, one of the benefits of running the furnace fan all day is energy efficiency. However, the reverse might be the case if your system has a single-speed fan. The fan running all day at full blast at one speed can cause a spike in your energy bills.
Fortunately, newer furnace models all have variable-speed motors.
More Maintenance Work
Your furnace fan running all day means you can’t afford to skimp on maintenance. The blower motor and other components will need regular tune-ups to keep the system working effectively.
Should You Leave Your Furnace Fan on All the Time? Get Professional Guidance
Are you still unsure about the right approach to take with your furnace fan? Schedule a consultation with a professional HVAC technician from Green Energy Mechanical Inc. We will carefully evaluate your unique situation and offer advice on the most efficient way to use your furnace.
Adhering to our advice will also help you avoid issues such as furnace circuit board failure. Call Green Energy Mechanical Inc. in Canton, MA, today at 877-561-0627 to book an appointment.
