Does a Fan on Your Furnace Increase Energy Costs?

Your furnace fan plays a large role in maintaining comfort in your home. During the heating cycle, it circulates warm air throughout your living spaces, delivering heated air to every corner. Typically, the fan kicks on automatically when your furnace starts heating, but you can also set it to run continuously — even when your furnace isn’t actively warming up the air. This constant airflow can impact your indoor climate, but what does it mean for your energy bills?

Stay warm this winter and save on your bills. Get your furnace ready and schedule with BVSM Heating & Air Conditioning today.

Types of Furnace Fans

Your furnace has two fans: a blower fan and a draft inducer fan. The blower fan is the primary driver of warm air throughout your home’s ductwork, providing efficient and even heat distribution. It pushes air through the furnace, across the heat exchanger, and out into the vents, maintaining a steady indoor temperature. The draft inducer fan, on the other hand, plays a different role. It helps ensure proper airflow through the furnace, clearing residual gasses from the heat exchanger and facilitating ignition. The draft inducer fan only kicks on when the furnace does, while the blower fan can be set to run continuously.

Energy Consumption of Furnace Fans

Because they have the bigger job of moving large volumes of air, blower fans require more power than draft inducer fans. Traditional single-speed blower fans in older units operate at a fixed speed, using more electricity when running continuously. However, modern variable-speed blower fans in newer furnaces can adjust their output based on your home’s heating needs, which can leading to more efficient energy use.

Impact of Continuous Fan Operation on Energy Costs

Running your furnace fan continuously offers benefits like improved air circulation, better air quality, and more consistent temperatures throughout your home. If you have hot or cold spots in your house, a fan running continuously can help even the temperature, making your living space feel more comfortable. Consistent airflow also helps maintain indoor air quality by continuously filtering dust, allergens, and other particles.

However, these benefits come with a trade-off. Continuous operation uses more energy, and if you have an older unit with a single-speed fan, it can lead to significantly higher utility bills. While a variable-speed fan running on a low setting might still consume more energy than a fan in auto mode, it offers a more balanced energy efficiency and comfort approach.

Factors Influencing Energy Costs

Several factors can impact how much energy your furnace fan uses:

● Insulation: Proper insulation helps retain heat, meaning your furnace and its fan don’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature.

● Home design: Open floor plans and high ceilings can make it more difficult to distribute air evenly, potentially requiring more fan operation.

● Temperature settings: Keeping your thermostat at a moderate temperature will help minimize the workload on your furnace fan, reducing overall energy consumption.

Tips for Efficient Furnace Fan Use

To maximize energy efficiency without sacrificing comfort, follow these tips for efficient furnace fan use:

● Set the fan to “auto” mode to minimize energy use. This way, it will only run when your furnace is heating.

● Consider using the “circulate” or “on” setting if you have a newer furnace with a variable-speed fan. It can help with even air distribution without consuming as much power as a single-speed fan.

● Lower the fan speed in moderate temperatures to save energy.

● Keep your furnace filters clean, as clogged filters force the fan to work harder.

● Insulate your home adequately to reduce the load on your furnace and its fan, helping it use less energy.

● Well-maintained fans and motors operate more efficiently, so schedule regular furnace maintenance.

Choose BVSM for Furnace Maintenance in Beaver Valley

BVSM Heating & Air Conditioning has been Beaver Valley’s trusted HVAC provider since 1956. As a proud member of the Beaver County Alliance for Consumer Protection, we are committed to delivering reliable, top-quality service every time. Our NATE-certified technicians will ensure your furnace fan and other essential components are in optimal condition, helping you stay warm without high energy bills.

Preparing your furnace for winter doesn’t have to be dreadful. By following these simple steps, you can have peace of mind knowing your home stays warm, efficient, and safe all season long. With over 65 years of experience and a commitment to your satisfaction, we’re here to help you enjoy a cozy winter.

Contact our team to schedule a furnace tune-up in Beaver Valley!