Running Furnace Fan in Summer?

[ajg93]

I have a 2-storey home without A/C. Is there any benefit (or draw-back) in running the fan on low durning the summer months? Will it help cool the house, keep humidity lower? If so, is there a proper way to have the vents open or closed?

Thanks
Adam

[Hube]

Running a fan on low will greatly improve the air circulation. IF you have a basement that is relatively cool a return air grille in this area will "draw" back cool air and distibute thru the home. In a VERY warm spell, some homeowners also remove the lower fan compartment door to allow cool basement air to be "drawn" in. Make sure you have a filter over this opening. Hube

[imeduc]

Sorry have to go the other way. Dont know how it will do up there where your at. But I know if we run the blower and take that cool air from the basement. It has to be replaced and that will be warm moist air so you end up with every thing in the basement wet from moisture. Yes the blower on will help but Id say dont take any air from the basement.

ED

My mistakes dont define me they inform me.

[ApplianceTech2]

Adam

Running the fan only oftens helps. Will not lower the temp but will more evenly distribute the air between the two levels.

Fans do nothing more than keep air moving to make it seem to be cooling. Room temps do not lower and moisture or humidity are not removed. All vents should be opended to provide the best air circulation.

Where the mention of a basement popped up in your posted question I cannot locate. I differ with the idea of allowing basement air to circulate into the house, if a basement is present. Doing so will create more problems than benefits for the reasons already mentioned.

Also difference of opinion, I would never suggest removing a blower door panel for any reason. Even if the only intenet is to circulate air. Simply a difference of opinions. Removing the blowe cover will not cause harm to the furnace if the air can be flitered as mentioned. But still not an good idea to get into the practice of operating any furnace without all the safety panels in place. Just my opinion.

Helping You Too.
Good Luck.
ApplianceTech2
Natural & Propane Gas Appliance Service Rep.
Use Logic and Common Sense When All Else Fails

[Hube]

There are a lot of homes out there that have perfectly liveable basements. They are insulated, vapor barrier,etc, just like the upper level. And because they are situated mostly below grade, they are bound to be cooler. So runnng the fan on a continuous low speed will help to "parallel any difference in the various levels. When an upper level is, say 76, and the basement level is say 66, then after a hour or two of fan operation the two level temperatures will "parallel" at approx 71 each level. Not bad for low speed fan circulation only. This can be accomplished by having adequate R/A in the basement level, (or removing fan compartment door) ) Hube

[ajg93]

I do have a finished basement with a running dehumidifier. Is the consensus to close off the R/A vents in the basement to prevent mositure buildup or simply leave everything open?

Thanks,
Adam

[LazyPup]

Most ppl think of AC only in terms of cooling, but in fact, the thing that defines AC as opposed to refrigeration is that AC performs other services. In addition to cooling, AC dehumidifies and Filters the air, thus the name AIR CONDITIONER.
As for the question of running the furnace blower, I can see a couple advantages, first, as was previously stated, it will help maintain circulation in the structure, second, allowing that the filters are changed regularly, it would also help reduce dust and pollen in the air, and third, it will keep the motor loosened up. Many a motor fails prematurely from lack of oil and condensate moisture settling on the bearings. Porperly oiling the motor a couple times a year and running it periodically will greatly reduce bearing seizure.

[Hube]

Ajg93; Unless your basement humidity is over 80 %, keep ALL the r/a grilles open and keep the fan on cont. low.. Continuous fan operation in all seasons will help circulate air.

[imeduc]

As you have No AC there I would not run the fan. Try it Ill bet the floor gets damp like .

My .02 cents ED[8D]

My mistakes dont define me they inform me.