CALL US 850-385-3774
Good air circulation is an essential part of keeping your home comfortable. On a hot day, the effect of air moving over your skin from a ceiling fan, combined with the cooling action of your AC, can significantly enhance comfort. However, there are smarter ways to achieve this comfort while also saving money and keeping humidity under control.
One common mistake homeowners make is running their AC fan constantly—even when the cooling system isn’t in operation. Although it may seem like it improves air movement and comfort, it can actually make your living environment more humid, less efficient, and more expensive to cool.
When your air conditioning system is actively cooling, it’s doing two main things: reducing temperature and removing humidity from the air.
As warm, humid air passes over the evaporator coil, the air cools and the moisture condenses on the coil. This process removes humidity, and the now cooler, drier air circulates back into your home.
However, when the cooling cycle stops but the fan continues running, the evaporator coil remains wet. As the fan keeps blowing air over it, that moisture re-enters your home. Instead of cool, dry air, you’re circulating warm, humid air—undoing the comfort your AC just created.
According to Energy.gov, excessive indoor humidity can strain your AC system and raise energy use. In Florida’s humid summers, this effect becomes even more noticeable.
When humidity levels are high, sweat evaporates more slowly from your skin, reducing your body’s natural cooling ability. Even if your thermostat reads 75°F, high humidity can make it feel several degrees warmer.
That’s why Florida homeowners often describe their homes as “sticky” even when the AC is on—it’s not the temperature; it’s the excess moisture in the air. Keeping your fan on Auto helps your system remove that humidity effectively and keeps your comfort consistent.
Learn more about how humidity affects indoor comfort in our guide: How Clean Air Ducts Improve Indoor Air Quality in Tallahassee Homes.
Understanding your thermostat settings can go a long way toward saving energy and keeping your home comfortable. Most thermostats include an “Auto” and a “Fan” mode.
When your system is set to Fan (On), the blower moves air continuously, picking up humidity from the wet coil and pushing it back into your home. This not only raises indoor humidity but also increases wear on your fan motor and drives up your energy bill.
To compare the differences between fan settings, check out ENERGY STAR’s thermostat recommendations.
Your blower motor uses a surprising amount of electricity. According to ENERGY STAR®, running a standard residential fan continuously can add $25–$50 per month to your electric bill—and even more during Florida’s hottest months.
Running your fan 24/7 also:
If you’ve noticed rising utility bills or inconsistent comfort, our HVAC maintenance services in Tallahassee can help identify and correct inefficient settings before they become costly.
While the “Auto” setting is best for most homes, there are a few cases where running the fan continuously makes sense:
If you’re considering a dehumidifier, explore our post on the Benefits of Crawl Space Encapsulation in Tallahassee, FL —a valuable step toward long-term moisture control.
According to Trane’s homeowner guide, this feature can improve comfort and efficiency year-round. If your thermostat doesn’t offer this feature, it may be time for an upgrade—our technicians can help you choose a model that fits your home’s needs.
In Tallahassee and across North Florida, outdoor humidity often stays above 70% for much of the summer. That extra moisture means your AC system must work harder to keep indoor air comfortable.
By setting your thermostat fan to “Auto,” you allow your system to dehumidify effectively and maintain a true balance between comfort and efficiency.
For more insight into optimizing energy use, visit our related post: Understanding the Geothermal Installation Process.
Should I run my AC fan in the winter?
In cooler months, running your fan occasionally can help distribute heat evenly. However, leaving it on 24/7 still wastes energy and wears out your motor faster.
Does running the fan help clean the air?
Not necessarily. The air filter will trap more particles, but constant airflow adds humidity and dust buildup. For cleaner air, use a MERV-rated filter or add an air purification system instead.
How do I know if my humidity levels are too high?
If you notice musty odors, condensation on windows, or a sticky feeling indoors, humidity may be above 60%. A simple hygrometer (available at most hardware stores) can help you track this.
For more guidance, check EPA Indoor Air Quality resources.
At Tony Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning, we help homeowners throughout Tallahassee, Crawfordville, Havana, and the surrounding North Florida areas stay comfortable year-round. Whether you’re dealing with humidity issues, thermostat questions, or airflow problems, our certified technicians can help you optimize your home for comfort and efficiency.
📞 Call or text us at (850) 792-4488
or visit our Contact Page to schedule your HVAC service today.
Address:
870 Blountstown Hwy. Unit # 9
Tallahassee, FL 32303
Phone: 850-385-3774
License #: CMC1249702
Call Us At Any Time.
We're Available 24/7!
