Here's a more detailed explanation of how it works:
1. Fan Control: Your furnace or air conditioner has a fan control that determines when the fan runs. This control can be set to "On" (the fan runs continuously), "Auto" (the fan runs when the furnace or air conditioner is heating or cooling) or "Off" (the fan never runs).
2. Thermostat Signal: When the thermostat detects that the temperature in your home is below the desired setting (in heating mode) or above the desired setting (in cooling mode), it sends a signal to the furnace or air conditioner.
3. Fan Activation: In response to the thermostat signal, the furnace or air conditioner activates its fan. The fan starts blowing air over the heating element (in heating mode) or evaporator coil (in cooling mode) to condition the air.
4. Air Circulation: The conditioned air is then circulated through the vents in your home, where it mixes with the existing room air. This process continues until the desired temperature is reached.
5. Fan Control Logic: Once the desired temperature is reached, the thermostat sends another signal to the furnace or air conditioner, causing the fan to turn off. In some cases, the fan may continue to run for a few minutes to help distribute any remaining conditioned air.
By circulating the conditioned air throughout your home, the fan helps to maintain a uniform temperature and ensures that all rooms are comfortable. It also helps to reduce hot or cold spots and improves the overall efficiency of your heating and cooling system.