Should you keep your air conditioner running all the time or turn it on and off frequently to save electricity? Which is better?

The question of whether to keep the air conditioner running continuously or turn it on and off frequently to save electricity depends on various factors such as energy consumption, usage duration, and the unit’s efficiency.

1. How an Air Conditioner Works

An air conditioner operates in two main phases:

• Startup Phase: The air conditioner consumes the most electricity when it first starts up, as the compressor and fan require high power to cool the room quickly.
• Temperature Maintenance Phase: Once the set temperature is reached, the compressor reduces power or temporarily shuts off (in inverter ACs), while the indoor fan continues circulating air to maintain the temperature.

Frequent turning on and off forces the compressor to restart repeatedly, leading to higher electricity consumption.

2. Comparing the Two Usage Methods

a) Keeping the Air Conditioner Running Continuously

✅ Advantages:

• Maintains a stable room temperature, preventing sudden temperature fluctuations.
• Reduces power surges from frequent restarts, saving electricity (especially with inverter ACs).
• Prevents excessive wear and tear on the compressor.

❌ Disadvantages:

• If the set temperature is too low (below 22°C), the AC may run non-stop, increasing electricity consumption.

👉 Solution: If using continuously, set the temperature at a moderate level (between 25-28°C) and use a fan to help distribute cool air evenly.

b) Turning the Air Conditioner On and Off Frequently

✅ Advantages:

• Reduces power consumption if cooling is only needed for a short period.
• Suitable for occasional use when continuous cooling is unnecessary.

❌ Disadvantages:

• The AC consumes more electricity due to repeated startups.
• The compressor wears out faster, reducing the unit's lifespan.
• Causes unstable room temperatures, leading to discomfort.

👉 Solution: If cooling is needed for a short time, use the timer function instead of manually switching the AC on and off.

3. Conclusion: The Most Energy-Efficient Way to Use an Air Conditioner

🔹 Keeping the air conditioner running continuously at an optimal setting is more energy-efficient, especially for inverter models.
🔹 Set the temperature between 25-28°C and use a fan to improve air circulation.
🔹 Use the timer function to turn off the AC automatically at night when temperatures drop.
🔹 Avoid frequent turning on and off, as it increases energy consumption due to repeated compressor startups.

Thus, to save electricity, it's best to keep the air conditioner running continuously at an optimal temperature rather than turning it on and off frequently.