Electricity Prices Are Rising Again – Don’t Do This When Using the Air Conditioner or Your Bill Could Triple!

Many people are unaware that a seemingly harmless habit can significantly increase electricity consumption.

Electricity rates are spiking just as summer hits its peak – a season when fans, air conditioners, and refrigerators are used constantly. That’s why energy-saving methods are now more crucial than ever.

Alongside helpful tips for saving electricity, EVN (Vietnam Electricity) has pointed out in multiple articles that common mistakes in using household electrical appliances can unintentionally cause electricity bills to skyrocket.

This One Mistake Happens in Many Homes – and It Wastes Energy Instead of Saving It

A frequent and widespread mistake found in many households is the constant adjustment of air conditioner settings – especially temperature. Some even mistakenly believe it saves electricity, but in reality, it does the opposite.

---

Why Does Frequently Adjusting the Air Conditioner Waste More Electricity?

According to experienced air conditioning technicians, frequently changing the temperature or switching between different modes forces the unit to operate at high power. This high-power mode consumes significantly more energy than maintaining a stable, consistent setting.

Experts estimate that running the air conditioner at high capacity can use up to three times more electricity than usual. It’s comparable to constantly turning the device off and on within short intervals – another energy-wasting habit.

---

What Should You Do Instead?

To save electricity, minimize how often you adjust the air conditioner settings during use. Ideally, turn it on about 15–20 minutes before you need to cool the room, giving it time to run efficiently.

Start with a temperature of 23–24°C to cool the room deeply. After 30–60 minutes, once the unit has stabilized, you can adjust the settings – but avoid making frequent changes within a short time frame.

The best temperature to maintain long-term comfort and energy efficiency is 25–26°C. At night, consider increasing the temperature to 26–28°C, depending on the outside weather conditions.

---

Other Costly Mistakes When Using Air Conditioners

EVN has also identified several other errors that increase electricity use unnecessarily:

---

1. Using Old or Outdated Air Conditioners

Many people opt for second-hand units to save money, but older machines often run inefficiently, consuming more power due to outdated technology and weaker motors.

Plus, without technical knowledge, buyers may choose units that are too old, unreliable, or even beyond repair. Some models lack replacement parts, making them expensive or unsafe in the long term.

---

2. Neglecting to Clean and Maintain the Air Conditioner

Both the indoor and outdoor units easily collect dust and debris, which reduces cooling performance and increases electricity consumption.

A dirty indoor unit blocks airflow and can even emit unpleasant odors. A clogged outdoor unit, filled with dust or insects, can lead to overheating, breakdowns, or even fires—especially on hot summer days.

To keep your unit efficient, clean the filters regularly, especially during season changes. Full servicing should be done 1–2 times a year depending on usage.

---

3. Installing the Unit Too Close to the Ceiling

If the indoor unit is mounted too close to the ceiling, it restricts airflow intake, making the system work harder. The recommended distance from the ceiling is 20–30 cm for optimal air circulation.

---

4. Not Using a Fan with the Air Conditioner

Many people mistakenly believe using a fan with the air conditioner doubles electricity use. In fact, the opposite is true.

Fans help distribute the cool air more quickly and evenly, making the room feel cooler and more comfortable. Use a low-power standing fan or a misting fan to maintain humidity levels and save energy.