Modern air conditioning systems are equipped with a variety of useful, energy-saving features. Some of them have a variable-speed compressor, for instance. A variable-speed compressor is a type of air conditioning compressor that adjusts its performance automatically based on cooling demand.
An automatic-delay fan switch is another energy-saving feature commonly found in modern air conditioning systems. If you’re looking to upgrade your air conditioning system, you may want to choose a model with this feature. Like a variable-speed compressor, an automatic delay-fan switch can cut your cooling costs.
The Purpose of an Automatic-Delay Fan Switch
An automatic-delay fan switch is a device that keeps the blower running for a short period after an air conditioning system has turned off. Most air conditioning systems are synched with blowers. The blower will run while they run. The blower will turn off, conversely, when the air conditioning systems turn off.
If your air conditioning system has an automatic-delay fan switch, the blower will continue to run after it has turned off. It will create a timed delay for the blower. The blower will turn off after a few minutes as determined by the automatic-delay fan switch.
How an Automatic-Delay Fan Switch Works
An automatic-delay fan switch works by keeping the blower running for a short period after the air conditioning system has turned off. Most automatic-delay fan switches are set to a few minutes. When your air conditioning system turns off, the blower will continue to run for a few minutes before turning off.
Thermostats, of course, have an “ON” setting and an “AUTO” setting. The “ON” setting. The “ON” setting will override an automatic delay-delay fan switch. If you use the “ON” setting, the blower will continue to run, regardless of whether your air conditioning system is running. With the “AUTO” setting, the blower will turn off after a short period once your air conditioning system has turned off.
The Energy-Savings Benefits of an Automatic-Delay Fan Switch
How can an automatic-delay fan switch make air conditioning systems more energy-efficient exactly? It will force the cool and conditioned air out of the ductwork.
Your air conditioning system will consume energy to create cool air. The cool air will initially enter the ductwork before being distributed throughout the rooms in your home. If the blower turns off immediately when your air conditioning system turns off, some of this cool and conditioned air will remain stuck inside of the ductwork. An automatic-delay fan switch prevents this from happening by keeping the blower running for a short period.