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Life Tips 06/07/2025 02:00

The common misconception: Should you really turn off your air conditioner when the room is cold enough?

Having used the air conditioner for a long time, not all users know the tips or the correct ways to use it.
During sweltering summer days, air conditioners often run at full capacity in many households. They’re easy to operate and can be adjusted to suit each user’s comfort preferences. However, despite their simple interface, not everyone fully understands how to use air conditioners efficiently and correctly.
One common example is the habit of turning off the AC once the room feels cool enough. Many families believe this practice helps reduce electricity usage by minimizing run time. But does this method actually save power? Experts say: not always — and sometimes, it could do the opposite.
Expert Insight on the Practice
According to seasoned professionals in the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) field, turning off the air conditioner once the desired temperature is reached can temporarily save energy — but only if the user doesn’t turn it back on again.
If you stop using the AC entirely and rely on other cooling methods such as electric fans or evaporative coolers to maintain room comfort, you may cut back on electricity use. However, if you switch the air conditioner off and on repeatedly whenever the room feels warm again, you’re likely increasing your energy consumption — possibly up to three times more than continuous usage.
Experts explain that when an AC unit starts up, it operates at maximum capacity to quickly bring the room to the set temperature. This start-up phase consumes far more electricity than when the unit runs steadily to maintain a consistent temperature. Repeated cycles of powering off and restarting the unit leads to energy waste and puts extra strain on the system, potentially reducing its lifespan and overall efficiency.
What the Experts Recommend
Dr. Pham The Vu, Head of the Thermal Engineering Department at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Hanoi University of Industry, recommends that instead of shutting off your AC every time the room feels cool, users should keep it running at a steady temperature, ideally above 25°C (77°F).
Additionally, to retain the cool air and minimize energy loss:

  • Close windows and doors properly to prevent cold air from escaping.

  • Limit heat sources in the room by reducing the use of high-wattage appliances, minimizing direct sunlight exposure, and switching off unnecessary lights.

  • Use ceiling or standing fans in combination with the AC to distribute cool air more evenly without lowering the thermostat.

Smart Ways to Use Your Air Conditioner Efficiently
To maximize energy efficiency and ensure long-term performance, experts advise households to opt for air conditioners with Inverter technology. These models are specifically designed to save electricity, with some units reducing power usage by 30–50% compared to non-Inverter types.
Inverter air conditioners operate using a variable-speed compressor. When first turned on, the compressor works to quickly cool the space to the desired temperature. Once that’s achieved, it slows down automatically, maintaining the temperature without constantly powering on and off. This process not only conserves energy but also eliminates the need for manual adjustments.
Other benefits of Inverter ACs include:

  • Faster cooling

  • Quieter operation

  • Greater durability

  • More stable performance

And despite offering more advanced features, Inverter models are no longer significantly more expensive than traditional units, making them a practical choice for most households.
In conclusion, turning off your AC every time the room feels cool might seem smart — but in practice, it can backfire. Maintaining a stable, efficient cooling environment with the right equipment and habits is the key to staying comfortable and saving on energy bills.

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