Which air conditioning mode saves you the most money?

Although many people simply turn on their air conditioning and set the temperature without paying attention to the different available settings, understanding how it works can make a huge difference to your electricity bill.

Below, we break down the main air conditioning modes and look at which is the most efficient for saving energy without sacrificing comfort and coolness in the summer.

The importance of choosing the right air conditioning mode

An air conditioner's consumption varies depending on several factors, such as the unit's power, the selected temperature, your home's insulation and, of course, how you use it.

In general, reducing your energy usage not only benefits your wallet, but also the environment, as it lowers electricity demand and CO₂ emissions. What's more, using your air conditioning efficiently can extend the unit's lifespan and prevent unnecessary breakdowns.

Main air conditioning modes and their consumption

Modern air conditioners come with different operating modes, each with specific features that affect energy consumption. Let's look at the most common ones and which one you should use to save the most money. There are six main air conditioning modes: Eco mode, Auto or Fix mode, Cool mode, Fan mode, Swing mode and Sleep mode.

ECO mode: the most efficient option

Eco mode (or 'Energy Saving' mode) is the best option for those looking to save energy without sacrificing comfort. This mode optimises the air conditioner's performance by reducing the compressor's power and adjusting the temperature efficiently. It's ideal for prolonged, sustained use with the lowest possible energy consumption.

Advantages

• It can reduce consumption by up to 30% compared to the standard mode.
• It maintains a pleasant temperature without sudden changes.
• It reduces wear and tear on the unit and extends its lifespan.

Disadvantages

If you need to cool a room very quickly, this mode may take longer to reach the desired temperature.

Automatic mode (AUTO or FIX): just the right temperature

Auto mode automatically adjusts the air conditioner's power based on the room's temperature. This means the unit turns the compressor on and off as needed, maintaining a stable climate without wasting energy.

Advantages

• It provides a consistent temperature without needing constant adjustment.
• It avoids unnecessary use of the compressor, thereby reducing electricity costs.
• It's an efficient option for those who want convenience without worrying about manual settings.

Disadvantages

It's not the ideal mode if you prefer more precise control over the temperature, or if the unit is slow to respond to sudden changes in heat.

Cool mode: fast, but high consumption

Cool mode is the most common setting and the one most people use without giving it a second thought. Its function is to cool the room to the user-set temperature, keeping the compressor running at full power until it's reached. If you tend to use this mode, we recommend keeping the temperature between 24°C and 26°C to avoid excessive energy use. Remember that for every degree you lower it, consumption increases by about 8%.

Advantages

• It cools down a room quickly, which is ideal for very hot days.
• It allows you to set a custom temperature.

Disadvantages

If used at very low temperatures (below 22°C), energy consumption skyrockets. This can make the room unpleasantly cold, increasing the risk of catching colds or other respiratory problems. 

Fan mode: minimal energy consumption

Fan mode only activates the air conditioner's fan without turning on the compressor. This means it doesn't cool the air; it acts like a regular fan, helping to circulate air in the room and create a feeling of coolness. It's ideal for cool evenings or times when you don't need active cooling.

Advantages

• Its energy consumption is minimal.
• It helps to circulate air better in spaces with natural draughts.

Disadvantages

This mode is unsuitable if you need to lower the room's temperature, as it only circulates air rather than actively cooling it.

Sleep mode: smart savings while you sleep

Sleep mode is an excellent option for nighttime, as it automatically adjusts the temperature to prevent over-cooling and reduce energy consumption. The main difference from Auto mode is that it reduces the fan speed and the unit's noise level to ensure a quieter environment. 

Advantages

• It maintains a comfortable temperature without manual adjustments.
• It reduces electricity consumption while you sleep.
• It prevents the room from getting too cold, so your sleep isn't disturbed and you don't wake up with a dry throat. 

Disadvantages

Although it's ideal for nighttime, you may need to use a more powerful mode in extremely hot or humid conditions.

Swing mode: distribute air with movement

Swing mode allows the air conditioner's louvres to move automatically up and down or side to side, distributing the airflow evenly throughout the room. This helps to cool the space more quickly.  

Advantages

• It reduces the feeling of hot or cold spots in a specific area, as you aren't in the direct path of the airflow.
• It distributes the air evenly, preventing it from concentrating in one part of the room.
• It helps to reach and maintain the desired temperature quickly, without overworking the compressor.

Disadvantages

• For those who prefer to cool specific spots in the room, like the bed or the sofa area, Swing mode is not the most suitable option.
• The continuous movement of the unit's louvres can cause increased mechanical wear and tear over time.
• On some units, the constant movement of the louvres could generate mechanical noise.

Which is the best mode for saving energy?

After breaking down the different modes, we can conclude that the most efficient ones for reducing electricity consumption are:

1. ECO Mode: The best option for keeping consumption low over the long term.
2. AUTO Mode: Provides a balance between comfort and savings.
3. SLEEP Mode: Ideal for reducing energy use during the night.

If you're looking for maximum efficiency, avoid using Cool mode for long periods at low temperatures and aim to keep your air conditioning set between 24°C and 26°C.

Additional Tips to Optimise Your Consumption

• Keep the filters clean

Dirty filters can increase consumption by up to 20%.

• Use curtains or blinds

They help to reduce the indoor temperature and lessen the need for cooling.

• Avoid constantly turning the air con on and off

To beat the heat and reduce consumption, it's best to maintain a stable temperature.

• If you can, use a fan along with the air conditioner

This distributes the air better and allows you to use the air con on a lower setting.

The best solution is good maintenance

The most effective strategy for saving on your air conditioning consumption is to keep your unit in optimal condition. That's why at Endesa, we offer our Complete Air Maintenance service. With it, you'll get an annual check-up for your unit, reducing breakdowns and optimising its energy consumption, which will help you save on your bills.

You'll also have access to a technical support service whenever you need it to deal with any breakdown in your air conditioning system.