Most types of furnaces have fans that can be turned off and on independently, and we often get asked by homeowners if it’s okay to run the fan when the furnace is turned on. In today’s post, local heating and air conditioning company Bartlett Heating & Air Conditioning shares a look at the advantages and disadvantages of running your furnace fan.
Advantages
Running your furnace fan provides the following benefits:
Balanced indoor temperatures — Hot air tends to rise and collect near the ceiling, while cold air usually collects near the floor. Running the furnace fan can help keep the indoor temperatures balanced by constantly circulating air.
Lower heating costs — ENERGY STAR®-certified furnaces are typically equipped with variable-speed fans that are designed to be run at all times. This helps keep heat loss to a minimum, which means lower output requirements from the furnace and lower fuel or energy costs.
Improved performance — Another benefit of reduced indoor heating requirements is that strain on your furnace is reduced and your heating system is kept from redlining. This means less strain and less likelihood that unexpected air conditioning repairs will be required.
Better indoor air quality — Constant air movement pushes the air through the filter in your HVAC system, which helps remove indoor air pollutants such as soot, dust and mold spores.
Disadvantages
There are a few things you need to consider first if you’re looking into keeping your furnace fan turned on at all times. First, efficient air circulation will mean you have to check your HVAC air filter more frequently and clean or replace it when it becomes clogged. You’ll likely replace air filters more often once you start running your furnace fan all the time.
Since a furnace fan can be kept running even when the furnace itself is turned off, it can pull heat into your home during the summer if you happen to have ductwork running through the attic. Leaks in the ductwork can lead to the same results. You can address this by making sure the roof has proper ventilation and having your HVAC contractor fix leaks in the ductwork and install insulation where needed.
Call Bartlett for Your Heating & Cooling Needs
Bartlett Heating & Air Conditioning is a heating and air conditioning service company serving Bartlett, Glendale and Elgin, as well as the surrounding communities. Give us a call at (630) 372-7640. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
