Should You Keep Your HVAC Set To ‘On’ Or ‘Auto’ In Summer?






According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, it’s estimated Americans will see an increase of 5% on their power bills in 2026. The rising expense of staying cool might have some looking for a way to cut costs, including the use of smart thermostats this summer. One idea floating around the web, is whether or not setting your HVAC system fan to “on,” is better than keeping it at “auto.” When set to “on,” the system fan will run continuously, versus when set to “auto,” it operates intermittently only when your HVAC is producing cool air. So, which one should you use?

It depends on factors like the climate you reside in, the age and health of your system, and how well your home is insulated. The average lifespan of an AC unit usually tops out at around 10 years, and properly caring for it is essential for longevity. As you might expect, with your fan running continuously, you’ll use more energy than with things set to “auto,” but it ultimately comes down to preference. In terms of costs between “on” and “auto,” the former will cost you more, though it’s typically only around 5%.

Humid climates and aging HVAC systems

The component within your air conditioner that produces the cool air and removes humidity is called an evaporator coil. When set to “auto,” the fan only engages when the evaporator coil is running and blows that cool air into your home. In states that experience high humidity, keeping the fan on, which runs even when the evaporator coil isn’t, will bring in untreated moist air, potentially making things uncomfortable. So, if you opt to keep the fan running, you may notice indoor humidity levels climbing.

Conversely, an older home prone to uneven HVAC performance from room-to-room, might benefit from a constantly running fan. Some aging air conditioning systems may struggle to produce even cooling, with temperature swings from room to room. In this case, setting the fan to “on” would circulate airflow and provide more universal results. You can also use ceiling fans to help circulate colder air, which is just one of the tips to keep your air conditioner running optimally during a heat wave.

System wear and filtration

Another thing to keep in mind when setting your system to “auto,” is the additional wear the components will experience. For instance, the motor driving the fan will kick on and off repeatedly throughout each day of the summer season. This can result in the part fatiguing more rapidly than it might running continuously. A blower fan can cost in the hundreds of dollars to replace, though it depends on several factors.

Filters and the quality of indoor air are also affected by the fan setting. When set to “on,” those HVAC filters are continually working. This means that you’ll need to replace filters more often in order to keep your system healthy. On the plus side, with that fan running continually, your indoor air is constantly being cleaned. But failing to regularly replace filters can leave them clogged, meaning the system will work extra hard to push air through.





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2026 has shaped up to be a big year for Milwaukee, and the company shows no signs of slowing down as it expands its product line. For example, it has announced that some solid new Milwaukee hand tools and organizers will be arriving throughout the summer, but that’s not all. At the end of the day, you need somewhere to put all of this stuff, and while the Milwaukee Packout storage system is deep and varied as is, the company will expand the line in the summer months.

More methods for organizing your tools are on the way, too, with the Milwaukee Packout line set to introduce some new entries this summer. They vary in size, purpose, and price point, but they’re all compatible with the wider Packout line. That means they can connect to each other, making transportation easier. In some cases, they’ll be able to help keep tools and other items secure and organized while on the move. Additionally, all of these new Packout products are covered by Milwaukee’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

So, what new products does Milwaukee have to offer from its Packout line this summer? Here are the drops you can look forward to throughout June and July 2026.

Milwaukee compact crate

Sometimes, a massive Packout crate isn’t a necessity, which is why the line has its share of smaller options. Yet another will be coming to the Milwaukee catalog in the form of the Milwaukee Packout compact crate, which is set for a June 2026 release and will cost $39.97. It has a 30-pound weight capacity, comes in at 8.75 inches tall, 9.5 inches wide, 15.5 inches long, and 3.75 pounds, and includes two removable dividers to create up to three sections within the crate. The dividers can also be customized by cutting them to size along the pre-made score lines.

This compact crate features a wide front opening for easy access to its contents while on the job, as well as a metal top handle to carry it around on its own. Should you want to add it to your current Packout stack, you can use the connection points at the top and bottom of the crate. Speaking of durability, Milwaukee notes that it has an impact-resistant body along with weep holes to prevent water collection. At the same time, there is some nuance regarding the waterproof nature of Milwaukee Packout products, so keep that in mind before letting this crate get soaked.

Milwaukee Packout low-profile crate

A shorter but equally mighty Milwaukee Packout container is also on its way to customers this summer. The Milwaukee Packout low-profile crate is the shortest of the new releases at just 6.625 inches tall, though it makes up for what it lacks in height with a 15-inch length and an 18.625-inch width. Even though it’s slightly heavier than the compact crate at 4.85 pounds, it wins out in weight capacity with a 50-pound limit. It will be released in June 2026 and will cost $44.97.

For added modularity, the low-profile crate includes three different divider types: eight short, two long, and one for the middle of the container. When combined, they form up to 12 individual sections for tool and accessory organization. In terms of connecting to other Packout containers, it can do so from the top and bottom. Alternatively, built-in side handles are integrated into the design to make it easier to carry the crate on its own. The crate has weep holes for water drainage and an impact-resistant body.

Milwaukee Packout XL crate

Moving on to one of the larger upcoming Milwaukee Packout releases — even if it ultimately lands somewhere in the middle of the smallest and largest Packout containers for sale — there’s the aptly-named Milwaukee Packout XL crate. This release will hit shelves in June 2026 and comes with a $69.97 price tag. The 8.03-pound crate can take on some serious tools with its 75-pound weight capacity. It measures 15 inches tall, 15.75 inches long, and 18.625 inches wide. Despite its size, it can be hung up on a wall like most other Packout containers.

While some may hang this crate in their workshop, many will use it as part of their mobile Packout stack. You can connect it to your existing setup via the top and bottom connection points. It can also be used with Milwaukee toolbox attachments to hold smaller tools and batteries with connection points on the sides. Alternatively, you can move the crate around using its built-in side handles. It’s advertised as having an impact-resistant body along with anti-water collection weep holes. Suffice to say, there’s more to this seemingly simple crate than initially meets the eye.

Milwaukee Packout Wire Pulling XL Crate

For the most part, the Milwaukee Packout line is so popular because of its versatility. While most entries can be used for just about anything, there are those that come with a specialized function. Case in point, the forthcoming Milwaukee Packout Wire Pulling XL crate, which is designed for dispensing wire. This involves inserting and locking in spools of the user’s needed material, threading the wire through the wire retention slots, and using the fold-down panel to keep the end of the wire from rolling back into the box.

Overall, this crate has the same dimensions and weight capacity as the previously covered Packout XL crate, though it is the heavier of the two at 9.85 pounds. It can accommodate up to six spools, can be stacked onto other Packout containers or hung up, and has an impact-resistant body. This is the most expensive of the new Packout releases at a hefty $119.97, and it’s set to release during July 2026. Alongside the best Milwaukee power tools for electrical work, this crate seems like a vital piece for any Milwaukee-enthusiast electrician’s kit.

New Milwaukee Packout inserts are coming, too

That’s it for the new Milwaukee Packout containers set to debut this summer, but there are more new releases yet to cover. To pair with some of these containers and improve their levels of organization and function, come two new insert sets. First is the divider for the Milwaukee Packout XL crate, which splits the container into two sections. It simply slides down the middle of the crate and fits snugly into place, while retaining its ability to connect with smaller Packout attachments. It will be released in July 2026 for $29.97.

Alongside the Packout XL crate divider is the set of Packout wire pulling inserts for the XL crate. You’ll need these if you end up buying an XL crate and later want to use it as a wire-pulling crate. These inserts allow you to convert it instead of having to buy a new designated wire pulling crate. They attach to two of the inner sides of the crate via T-25 screws and include wire puller guards as well. The Milwaukee product listing says these inserts are meant for 1/2-inch EMT conduit. This insert set also comes out in July and will cost $49.97. 





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