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The calendar may say summer is over, but the weather has not entirely received the message. Parts of the day remain hot and humid, leaving many households still reaching for the air conditioner.
That brings up a familiar question: Should we leave the air conditioner running or switch it off every time the room becomes cool?
The common belief that repeatedly turning the unit on and off saves electricity is not always correct. According to air-conditioning experts, keeping it running at a reasonable temperature may be more economical and efficient, particularly when using a modern inverter model.
Why can switching the air conditioner on and off use more electricity?
Air-conditioning installation and maintenance company @jjairesacondicionados says frequently switching a unit off and restarting it may ultimately use more energy instead of saving it.
“If you switch off the air conditioner every time you feel cold, you are not saving energy. You are doing exactly the opposite,” the experts say.
The main reason lies in the way the unit works, particularly its compressor, the component responsible for cooling the room.
“The part of an air conditioner that uses the most energy is the compressor, and it consumes a great deal of electricity when it starts,” they explain.
Each time the system starts again, the compressor needs more electricity to reach the desired level of performance. When the unit runs steadily and simply adjusts its output, however, energy consumption may be lower.
The role of Inverter technology
Inverter technology plays an important role in improving the energy efficiency of modern air conditioners.
Unlike older systems, Inverter units do not operate in only two modes, full power or completely off. Instead, they gradually adjust the compressor’s output according to the room’s actual cooling needs.
This avoids repeated starts and stops, reduces electricity consumption, and places less mechanical strain on the unit.
Experts point out that every restart causes a brief spike in electricity use while also putting additional pressure on the air conditioner’s mechanical parts.
“Every time you switch the unit off and on again, you create spikes in electricity use, greater mechanical wear, and other problems,” they say.
What is the ideal temperature for comfort and lower energy use?
Choosing the right temperature is one of the most important factors in saving energy.
Experts recommend setting the air conditioner between 23 C and 24 C, as this range offers a good balance between staying comfortable and keeping electricity use down.
“For the greatest comfort and the best energy efficiency, it is preferable to keep the unit running continuously,” they say.
Setting the temperature very low—at 18 C or 19 C, for example—forces the air conditioner to work much harder and therefore use more electricity.
That may be especially unnecessary now that the most intense summer heat has passed, even if some afternoons still feel uncomfortably warm and sticky.
Practical ways to use less electricity
Along with choosing the right temperature, a few simple habits can help reduce energy consumption:
- Keep doors and windows closed while the air conditioner is running so cool air does not escape.
- Use shutters or curtains to block direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day.
- Clean the unit’s filters regularly, as dirty filters reduce efficiency.
- Arrange a service if the air conditioner has been working hard throughout the summer.
- Avoid creating an excessively large difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures.
The bottom line
The idea that “switching it off means it is not using electricity” is not always the most economical approach.
Keeping an air conditioner running at a steady, moderate temperature, particularly an Inverter unit, may offer better performance, lower energy consumption and a longer life for the appliance.
Setting it between 23 C and 24 C appears to offer a practical compromise during those lingering hot and humid hours: cool enough to
