The energy consumption of the fan mode in an air conditioning (AC) system depends on several factors, including the type of fan, the speed setting, the size of the room, and the efficiency of the AC unit. Generally, using the fan mode alone consumes significantly less energy compared to running the AC in cooling mode.
When you set your AC to the fan mode, it only circulates and recirculates the air in the room without actively cooling it. The primary purpose of the fan mode is to improve air circulation and create a more comfortable environment by distributing the conditioned air evenly throughout the room.
Since the fan mode doesn't involve the energy-intensive process of cooling the air, it consumes much less electricity. In fact, using the fan mode can be quite energy-efficient, especially if you use it as a supplement to natural ventilation or when the weather is not excessively hot.
However, it's important to note that running the fan continuously for extended periods can still add up to your electricity bill, so it's a good idea to use it judiciously and turn it off when not needed.
On the other hand, running the AC in cooling mode, which involves cooling and dehumidifying the air, consumes much more energy. The compressor and other components have to work harder to lower the temperature, and this is when the AC's energy consumption increases significantly.
To save energy while using your AC, you can consider using the fan mode when the weather is mildly hot and you only need better air circulation. When you require actual cooling, choose the cooling mode but set the temperature to a moderate level to reduce energy usage. Additionally, proper insulation, regular AC maintenance, and using a programmable thermostat can also help optimize energy efficiency.