Important Things to Know About Adjusting an Air Conditioner’s Fan Speed

September 13, 2022
Heat Pump in Wheeling, IL

Like many homeowners in Wheeling, Illinois, you might think that the speed of your air conditioner’s fan only affects the flow of air from your HVAC vents. A lot of people believe that cranking these fans up will make their living environments more comfortable. However, the wrong fan setting can cause a range of humidity and temperature control issues. As such, fan speed adjustments are generally best left in the hands of licensed HVAC technicians. The following are a few important things to know before attempting to change this setting yourself.

A Higher Fan Speed Could Make Your Home Warmer

Air conditioners extract warm indoor air and then pass it over their evaporator coils. Refrigerant within these coils absorbs the heat from the air so that it’s noticeably colder when it’s distributed throughout the building. Speeding up your AC fan will reduce the amount of time that warm air spends on the evaporator coil. Thus, although you’ll have a stronger flow of air, you won’t necessarily feel cooler.

Your AC Fan Speed May Need to Be Reduced If Your Home Feels Muggy

If your home has a limited cooling demand due to all-around efficiency, a fast-moving fan could make your indoor air feel muggy. With shorter cooling times, air conditioners don’t have much chance to regulate indoor humidity. In this instance, slowing an AC’s fan down will extend the cooling cycle and ensure that excess moisture is removed.

Every AC Model Is Different

The industry standard for AC fan speeds is 400 cubic feet per minute (CFM). However, this isn’t the ideal setting for every air conditioner model or environment. HVAC technicians consider the needs of the individual living space and the nuances of each air conditioner that they adjust. If you want the perfect AC fan setting for assured comfort and efficiency, it’s best to let a trained professional do the adjusting for you.

At CSL Climate Control Company, we proudly provide heating, cooling, and indoor air quality services to residents of Wheeling, Illinois, and the surrounding area. If your air conditioner isn’t performing exactly as it should, give us a call today.

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