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In the battle for how you should set up the air conditioning in your Charlotte-area home, a new twist comes into play. With newer models of residential air conditioning systems, thermostats have become more advanced. Now, there are many different features you can have for your air conditioner, and they’re all programmed from your thermostat.
While some features may rely on personal preference, setting your thermostat to “auto” or “on” can be more structured. Read on to understand which option is suitable for your home — and why!
What’s the Difference Between “Auto” and “On”?
Before deciding if you should set your air conditioner to “auto” or “on,” it’s essential to understand the difference between the two settings. Both settings control the air conditioner fan but differ in when the fan operates.
When you set your air conditioner to “auto,” you restrict the fan to only run at certain times. The air conditioner thermostat evaluates the temperature in your home. When the temperature goes above the set temperature, the air conditioner starts a cooling cycle, and the fan automatically turns on, so it can help cool your home. Once your home reaches the desired temperature, the fan and the cycle stop.
On the other hand, when you set your air conditioner to “on,” you are telling your air conditioner always to run the fan, even when your air conditioner is not working to cool your home.
What Are the Benefits of “Auto” and “On”?
There are benefits to having your air conditioner set to “auto” and “on.” The benefits of the “auto” setting include higher efficiency, lower energy bills, better humidity control, less wear and tear on some components, and quieter running.
The “on” setting includes more even cooling, better air circulation and filtration, and less wear and tear from stopping and starting.
While there are many advantages to both “auto” and “on” settings, they also have disadvantages.
What Are the Disadvantages of “Auto” and “On”?
Sometimes, the disadvantages can give you a more straightforward choice between choosing the “auto” or “on” setting on your air conditioner. The drawbacks to the “auto” setting include hot and cool spots in your home, less air filtration, and the blower motor may wear out from the regular stopping and starting.
The disadvantages to the “on” setting include increased cooling costs, filter replacements needed more frequently, and may blow more regularly during summer to cool the air in ducts near attics or warmer areas.
Understanding if you should choose the “auto” setting or the “on” setting for your air conditioner comes down to the Charlotte climate.
The Setting You Should Choose
When choosing between setting your air conditioner to “auto” or “on,” our warm, humid climate should be the determining factor. The evaporator coils are what create the cool air in your home. They cool the air around them, and the fan blows that cool air through your ducts and into your home.
The high levels of moisture in our air can cause condensation to build up on the evaporator coils. Then, when the fan blows air across the coils and into your home, that condensation also blows into your home. This adds humidity to your home.
In a climate that is as humid as Charlotte, the added humidity can make your home more uncomfortable.
When you set your air conditioner to the “auto” setting, you reduce the amount of moisture your system blows back into your home. You’ll have a lower humidity level in your home, which will make your home feel cooler and more comfortable.
So, in the Charlotte area, choose the “auto” setting for your air conditioner to reduce the humidity and make your home as comfortable as possible during our hot summers!
Why Choosing a Programmable or Smart Thermostat Is a Good Idea
A programmable thermostat or smart thermostat gives you the flexibility you need to customize your air conditioning system and make your home comfortable for you. Since you’re setting your thermostat to “auto” to eliminate as much humidity from your home as possible, using a programmable thermostat or smart thermostat simply takes your air conditioner to the next level.
Programmable thermostats allow you to set your air conditioner based on time of day, day of the week, year’s season, and so much more. By customizing when your air conditioner will run, you can keep your home at a more consistent temperature.
Smart thermostats also let you change your air conditioner settings with your phone or other devices from anywhere in the world.
Now you can have precisely the settings you want on your air conditioner with the touch of a button!
Choose Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical
If you want to upgrade to a smart thermostat or have other air conditioning system needs, choose Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical. We have over 45 years of professional experience helping Charlotte-area homeowners stay cool and comfortable all year long.
For the best air conditioning installation, repair, and maintenance services, trust your home to Acosta’s team of experts. Our friendly and courteous professionals will do the job quickly and efficiently, delivering superior customer service.
Call 704.665.5998 or contact us online to schedule your HVAC appointment in Mecklenburg or Union County today!
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