Should I Set My Thermostat To On Or Auto? | Smart Thermostat Settings (2024)

FAQs

Should I Set My Thermostat To On Or Auto? | Smart Thermostat Settings? ›

Auto will allow the AC to run even when it's cold outside, and will allow the heat to run even when it's very warm in the house. And for efficiency, and for savings, you're better off keeping it on heat when it's heating season and on cool when it's cooling season.

Keeping your thermostat in the AUTO position means less overall energy is being used—and that reduces your utility bills considerably. Not only that, your air filter will last longer than they will if you leave your fan running continuously—in other words, if you leave it in the “on” position.

You'll want to have your thermostat set to heat mode in the wintertime and air conditioner auto mode in the summertime. In order for your system to run on auto mode, you'll need to have either the heat mode or cool mode on. This way, your thermostat knows whether to turn on the furnace or the air conditioner modes.

Thermostat Operation

The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be. You can easily save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to around 68°F to 70°F while you're awake and setting it lower while you're asleep or away from home.

Auto: Fan runs only when the heating or cooling system is on. On: Fan is always on. Circ: Fan runs randomly about 33% of the time. *The circulate option that allows you to set the fan to run a certain amount of time per hour.

1. Since the AUTO setting means the fan is only engaged when the system is on, rather than constantly blowing, AUTO is the most energy-efficient option between the two settings. This means you'll be using less energy and saving money on your electric bill by using the AUTO setting. 2.

AUTO is significantly more energy efficient between the two modes since the fan is only running when your AC is going through its cooling cycle. This takes less power, which is more budget-friendly, with some estimates showing you can save as much as $50 per month just by keeping your AC on AUTO.

AUTO means that the fan turns on automatically only when your system is heating or cooling air. Once the thermostat reaches the desired temperature, the entire system shuts off until the next cycle. ON means that the fan is constantly on and blowing air when your HVAC system is not heating or cooling air.

This also falls in line with recommendations from the Energy Saving Trust, who have said you should have your thermostat set somewhere between 18°C and 21°C over the winter months. The World Health Organisation has also said that around 18°C is the optimum temperature for healthy, well-dressed people.

What is the most economical way to use a thermostat? ›

8 am – 4 pm: While you're at work or out and about, set your thermostat to a lower temperature, such as 18-20°C. This will help you save money on your heating bills and also keep your home above freezing.

Keeping your home at a constant temperature generally means that your HVAC system will run constantly to meet it. This means that your furnace or air conditioner may run when you're asleep, at work, or out of the house. This wastes more energy than the minimal amount that you might save by having it constantly run.

Setting your air conditioning to 72°F is generally considered a comfortable indoor temperature for many people. It strikes a good balance between comfort and energy efficiency, making it a popular choice for residential settings.

With the “auto” setting, fans turn off when the air conditioner shuts off. With the “on” setting, fans run continuously. There are advantages and disadvantages to each setting. An AC professional can help you save energy and increase comfort by showing you how to adjust your thermostat.

Select “Auto” to allow the thermostat to switch between heating and cooling based on room temperature and the selected heating and cooling set points.

When it comes to whether you should set your furnace fan to “on” or to “auto” in winter, the answer for me is “auto” because it's the move that has the most to do with energy efficiency. It is not, however, the only thing you can do this winter to bolster your HVAC system's energy efficiency.

Generally, the auto setting will start the furnace fan about half a minute after the burner is lit. The fan is turned off about a minute after the desired temperature is reached. The main benefit of setting the thermostat to 'Auto' is that it will result in more energy efficient usage.

We recommend the following as the best thermostat settings: For warmer times, set your thermostat at 78 °F during daytime. Set it to 86 °F if you leave the house. For cooler times, set your thermostat to 68 °F while you're at home and awake.

Higher Utility Bills — Since the blower runs continuously when your heater is set to “ON,” it requires more energy than if it were set to “AUTO.” This can lead to higher utility bills over time, especially when utility prices are spiking.

Keeping your home at a constant temperature generally means that your HVAC system will run constantly to meet it. This means that your furnace or air conditioner may run when you're asleep, at work, or out of the house. This wastes more energy than the minimal amount that you might save by having it constantly run.