Air conditioners are power-consuming appliances, so many families tend to set the temperature to 28-29 degrees Celsius at night to save electricity. They believe that this relatively high temperature will not consume much electricity while still effectively cooling the room on hot days.
Does setting the air conditioner to 28-29 degrees Celsius at night save electricity?
According to experts, air conditioners are most efficient when the outdoor temperature is below 48 degrees Celsius and the indoor temperature is 19 degrees Celsius or higher. The most electricity-saving scenario occurs when there is only a 6 to 10-degree Celsius difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures.
Does setting the air conditioner to 28-29 degrees Celsius at night save electricity?
Specifically, when the outdoor temperature reaches 40 degrees Celsius, setting your air conditioner to 30 degrees Celsius is sufficient to provide a comfortable cool environment while saving electricity. On the other hand, setting it to 25 degrees Celsius forces the air conditioner to operate at maximum capacity, resulting in higher electricity consumption. In cases where the outdoor temperature is around 30-35 degrees Celsius, the ideal setting is between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius. Setting it to 30 degrees Celsius will cause the outdoor unit to turn on and off continuously, and each time it restarts, it consumes a significant amount of electricity, leading to higher electricity bills.
Additionally, to protect your health, it is recommended to use the sleep mode when using the air conditioner at night. With this mode, after about 30 minutes to one hour, your air conditioner will automatically increase the temperature by one degree Celsius and then by another degree, maintaining a temperature that is not too cold for a comfortable sleep. This means that when you go to sleep, you can set the temperature to 26 degrees Celsius and enable sleep mode. After half an hour to one hour, the temperature will automatically adjust to 27 degrees Celsius, and after two hours, it will increase to 28 degrees Celsius. This feature helps to automatically regulate the temperature according to human needs once deep sleep is achieved, ensuring a good night’s rest and significant electricity savings.
Tips for energy-efficient air conditioner use during the summer
The summer months often bring a significant increase in electricity bills due to air conditioner usage. To use your air conditioner safely, efficiently, and economically, keep the following tips in mind:
Set the temperature to an appropriate level
As mentioned earlier, it is advisable to adjust your air conditioner so that the temperature difference between the indoor and outdoor environments is moderate to maximize electricity savings and avoid thermal shock for the body.
There are several ways to use the air conditioner efficiently. (Illustration: Istock)
Use Cool mode instead of Dry mode
Some people believe that setting the air conditioner to Dry mode (indicated by a water droplet icon) instead of Cool mode saves electricity. However, according to appliance experts, on extremely hot days or during prolonged heatwaves, it is best to use the Cool mode to effectively cool the room. Avoid using Dry mode during these periods.
Use a fan in conjunction with the air conditioner
Combining an electric fan with your air conditioner helps improve cold air circulation, quickly cooling the entire room. The fan also prevents dryness and protects your health and that of your family.
Avoid frequently turning the air conditioner on and off
To save electricity, refrain from frequently turning the air conditioner on and off. In reality, some people try to save electricity by turning on the air conditioner only when the room gets warm and turning it off once it becomes cool. However, this method consumes more electricity because the air conditioner has to restart multiple times, and frequent restarting can also shorten its lifespan.
Regularly maintain your air conditioner
It is recommended to service your air conditioner every 3 to 6 months to prolong its lifespan, enhance its performance, and promptly identify any malfunctions, thus preventing unnecessary electricity waste.
Choose an inverter air conditioner if you use it frequently
Inverter air conditioners utilize variable-speed compressor technology, allowing them to operate more efficiently and stably while saving energy. When the desired cooling capacity is achieved, the compressor slows down, reducing electricity waste and maintaining a stable temperature.
