How much electricity do you save (if any) by running the AC on 'fan' instead of the cooling settings?

Question

How much electricity do you save (if any) by running the AC on 'fan' instead of the cooling settings?

Answer 1

When set to "fan", the compressor is not operating and the AC unit is not cooling the air.  Only the fan is operating.

For a window AC unit:  The fan might draw 100 to 150 watts.  Running the compressor will add another 1000 watts or so -- depending on the size of the AC unit.

For a central AC unit:  The fan might be around 300 to 500 watts.  Running the compressor will add another 3000 to 5000 watts.  (depending on the size of the central AC unit)

Basically you get what you pay for.  If you only pay to operate the fan, you don't get any cooling.

Answer 2

I think you may be referring to running the fan in the fan on position versus the auto position.

Setting the switch to fan on helps decrease air stratofication affect by constantly moving the air and providing a more constant temperature through out the space. However you will spend more energy dollars at this setting.

Jerry L

http://www.agreenearthonline.com

Answer 3

it will cost you more.  you might feel better if the fan is running, but the pressure drop and energy draw on an AC makes it a terrible air mover.  You'd be better off with a local fan near you.

Answer 4

A lot. A large window unit will use 1000 watts. The fan will use perhaps 50-100 watts.

edit, has an extra zero

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