How Does the Fan-Only Setting Affect an Air Conditioner?

Cool Air

• If an air-conditioner is set to "Fan Only," the cooling element of the air conditioner is deactivated. Therefore a "Fan-Only" setting means that the air entering the room from the unit is not going to be cold. To activate the "Fan-Only" setting, press the "Fan-Only" button on the air conditioner's front panel or the remote control. The "Cool" light indicator will turn off, and the "Fan" light indicator remains on.

Air Circulation

• The "Fan Only" feature is used if you wish to circulate air within the room. Though the air conditioner cooling mechanism is inactive, air is still pulled into the unit's grille and cycled out through the louvers on the front of the unit. The "Fan Only" feature prevents stagnant air and provides white noise for people who like to hear it while falling to sleep. While the fan doesn't produce cold air, some units offer different fan speeds. Press the "Fan High" or "Fan Low" or something similar to adjust the fan speed.

"Dry" Cycle

• Some air conditioner units feature a "Dry" cycle. This feature might seem like the "Fan Only" setting, as they both operate without the cooling mechanism within the unit. However, the "Dry" feature actually removes humidity or moisture from the air, makes the air dryer and might even drop the temperature of the room somewhat.

System Defrost

• If the internal coils of an air conditioner are frozen due to low temperatures outside, turn the air conditioner mode to "Fan Only" to thaw the coils. "Fan Only" mode allows the air from the room to circulate through the unit. The air will pass through the coils and melt the ice. Adjust the temperature setting to its highest level to aid in the defrosting process.