from Nancy in Wauwatosa, WI:
#236
Is it more or less efficient to circulate air in my home (2 story) using the furnace fan?
It’s best to run the furnace fan on “auto”.
If you are asking if you should run your furnace fan all the time, on “continuous”, then the answer is that it is less efficient and will consume more energy, and more money, than running the fan only when needed for heating and cooling. A typical variable speed furnace draws about 100 watts per hour and a typical single speed furnace draws about 400 watts per hour. That can mean continual fan operation costs of $75 to $300 per year.
Try setting the thermostat switch for your fan from “on” to “auto”. You really shouldn’t notice a difference in the comfort in the home. If you do notice a difference, consider having in-home evaluation with a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® consultant to identify the cause of problems in your home and provide you with a better solution.
Published Friday, May 22, 2009