Understanding Thermostat Settings: Auto vs. On

With your thermostat set to ON, you stand to reap a few notable benefits:

• Continuous heating and cooling: When the system is always on, there will be fewer hot and cold spots in your home because the air is distributed more evenly.
• Less strain on the blower motor: Every time your system kicks on, the blower motor has to rev up again. Keeping the system on could help draw out the motor's lifespan.

The AUTO setting on your thermostat has a number of benefits that make it a popular option for homeowners.

• Energy efficiency: AUTO AC ensures you won't waste energy running the system when your home is already comfortably cool or warm.
• Lower utility bills: The more efficient your system is, the lower your utility bills will be. When the system only comes on when it's absolutely necessary, you're minimizing costs and being kind to the environment.
• Dehumidification: When your AC is ON, it constantly recycles moisture and essentially traps it in your home. The AUTO setting cycles on and off, which allows moisture from the AC's cooling coils to drip outside, away from your home. Less moisture trapped in the air means your system doesn't have to work so hard.
• Hands-off operation: One of the main benefits of thermostat AUTO vs ON settings is that AUTO is automatic. When it needs to come on, it will, even if you're asleep or away from home.

So, when it comes to thermostat AUTO vs ON settings, how do you know which one to choose? The truth is that with thermostat settings, AUTO or ON will both work. However, HVAC professionals recommend using the AUTO over the ON setting in most cases.

Here's why running your system continuously with no breaks isn't always wise:

• It taxes your AC. The more you run your heating and cooling systems, the more maintenance those systems will require. It also increases the likelihood of wear and tear and the need for corresponding repairs.
• It clogs up the filters. The more air you move, the more dust and debris in your filters, and the more often those filters will need to be replaced.
• It costs money. Running your AC on ON all the time will raise utility bills, increase maintenance needs, and send you running to the store for replacement filters.

That said, there may be a few drawbacks to the AUTO setting, as well. The primary con is that repeated starts could strain your blower motor and cause it to wear out faster. The other thing to watch out for is uneven cooling. You may feel the ambient air get too warm or cold before the thermostat kicks in and restores your ideal temperature.