How to Know the Difference Between the Fan and Auto Options on a Honeywell Thermostat Air Conditioning Unit

The thermostat on your wall that controls your HVAC system is the key to your comfort. Knowing how it interfaces with your heating and air conditioning system can help you stay comfortable during long, cold winters and hot, sweltering summers. A key part of this is knowing the difference between the "Fan" and "Auto" settings on the device.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Find the switch on your thermostat that can be set to "On," "Off," "Cool," "Heat," "Auto" and "Fan." Also ensure your thermostat is set for a comfortable range of temperatures, preferably 70 degrees for heating and 78 degrees for cooling.

2. Set the switch to "Fan" to keep the system's fan running constantly and running independently of the temperature in the room. This switch will have no control over the compressor.

3. Set the switch to "Auto" to allow the system to turn on the fan only when it's needed to cool down or heat the room. It often works in conjunction with the system's compressor and will shut itself off after the room reaches optimum temperature. You may also have to set the thermostat to "Heat" or "Cool," which is controlled by a second switch.

4. Keep the thermostat set to "Auto" for the most efficient heating/cooling experience. Just running the fan usually has little effect, unless it's being used to just "stir the air" coming out of the ducts.

[dayni22]

on 9/12/2007 Thank you for the information! :) very easy to read and understand...