Have you ever noticed the small fan symbol on your air conditioner’s remote control? Or in some cases, a button labeled “FAN”? Many people only use their air conditioner to cool their home in summer or heat it in winter. That’s a missed opportunity, because your system has a smart feature that creates a pleasant breeze without causing your energy meter to spike: ventilation mode.
But what exactly happens technically in this mode? Why is it so energy-efficient? And is it the same as opening a window? In this blog, we explain how to get more out of your air conditioner simply by pressing the fan button.
What exactly is ventilation mode (fan mode)?
When you switch your air conditioner to ventilation mode (fan mode), something different happens compared to cooling or heating. The outdoor unit, the motor that normally works hard to generate heat or cold air, switches off. Only the fan inside the indoor unit continues running.
In this mode, your air conditioner essentially becomes a high-end fan. It circulates the air already present in the room without actively changing the temperature. You can compare it to a standing fan or ceiling fan, but neatly integrated into your wall-mounted air conditioning system.
Why use your air conditioner as a fan?
You might think that an air conditioner that isn’t cooling has little purpose. However, ventilation mode offers several major benefits for your comfort and indoor climate:
- Cooling effect without cold air: Air movement creates a so-called “wind chill effect” on your skin. This makes the room feel cooler without exposing you to an icy airflow.
- Cleaner air through filtration: This is the biggest advantage compared to a regular fan. While an ordinary fan often just moves dust around, an air conditioner pulls air through its built-in filters. This means you continuously filter dust, pollen, and unpleasant odors from the air while ventilating.
- Better heat distribution: Heat rises and often remains near the ceiling. Do you have underfloor heating, a stove, or a fireplace? By gently setting your air conditioner to ventilation mode, you push that warm air back down. This helps heat the room more evenly and reduces the need for higher heating output.
- Very low energy consumption: Because the compressor is switched off, the air conditioner uses very little energy in ventilation mode. Consumption is often comparable to that of a standard standing fan.
Important difference: Circulating air vs. ventilating
There is an important misconception we need to clear up. We often call this the “ventilation mode,” but technically, this setting provides circulation, not air renewal. Circulation means that the air already inside the room is moved around and filtered. Renewal means that stale air leaves the room and fresh oxygen enters.
Most air conditioners do not draw in fresh air from outside. If you truly want healthy, fresh air indoors, use ventilation mode in combination with an open ventilation grille or slightly opened window. The air conditioner will then help distribute that fresh outdoor air quickly and evenly throughout the room.
When is the best time to use ventilation mode?
Ventilation mode is ideal during transitional seasons, such as spring and autumn. For example, you can use this function while cleaning. Let the air conditioner run while vacuuming; the stirred-up dust will be captured more quickly by the air conditioner’s filters.
Many people also find this mode helpful while sleeping. You can enjoy a gentle breeze and a bit of “white noise” to fall asleep to, without the bedroom becoming too cold during the night.
In addition, in the living room or open kitchen, it is one of the fastest ways to remove cooking odors. Have you just finished cooking? Open a window or door slightly and switch the air conditioner to ventilation mode. The strong airflow helps drive odors outside much faster than simply opening a window alone.
Conclusion
Your air conditioner is more than just a cooling machine. The fan symbol offers an energy-efficient way to keep the air in your home moving and filtered. You benefit from greater comfort and improved air quality, without the costs of intensive cooling.
To make optimal use of ventilation mode, it is important that your air conditioner’s filters are clean. After all, they capture all the dust. Want to ensure your system continues operating hygienically? Regular air conditioning maintenance is essential. Is your system due for service or do you have questions about the settings? Feel free to contact us.