Many people try various methods to lower electricity bills when using an AC, without truly understanding how the AC system itself operates. One of the most common habits is turning off the AC every time you leave the room briefly.

While this may seem logical at first glance, in practice, it can actually increase power consumption. To avoid falling into this common misconception, let’s first understand how an AC system works comprehensively!

Comprehensive Guide to How an AC System Works

Air cooling systems operate by utilizing a chemical substance known as refrigerant. Its primary function is to transfer heat, effectively converting warm air into cool air.

For a clearer understanding, here is how the indoor and outdoor units work together:

Step 1: The System Compresses and Prepares the Refrigerant

The process begins in the outdoor unit. Here, the compressor pumps and pressurizes the refrigerant gas, causing its temperature to rise significantly. This high-pressure gas is then sent to the condenser, located within the outdoor unit. As the fan in the outdoor unit blows air over the condenser coils, the gas cools down and condenses into a liquid.

Step 2: Refrigerant Flows to the Indoor Unit

The condensed liquid refrigerant flows through copper tubing to the indoor unit. Inside, it fills the evaporator coils and begins to evaporate again, causing the coil temperatures to drop significantly.

Step 3: Drawing In and Absorbing Heat

The next phase involves converting warm air into cool air. The indoor unit’s fan draws warm room air and passes it over the cold evaporator coils. As the warm air contacts the coils, the heat is absorbed by the refrigerant, leaving the air cooled.

Step 4: Discharging Cool Air

The now-cooled air is blown back into the room. Meanwhile, the refrigerant, having absorbed the heat, returns to a gaseous state and flows back to the outdoor unit.

Step 5: Releasing Residual Heat

Upon reaching the outdoor unit, the gaseous refrigerant re-enters the compressor. Here, it is pressurized once again, raising its temperature before moving into the condenser where it is cooled by the outdoor fan. This completes the room AC cycle. The process continuously repeats as long as the AC remains powered on.

The Hardest-Working Component: The AC Compressor

Looking at the entire AC operating cycle above, the compressor is undoubtedly the hardest-working component. Its role is critical as it circulates and compresses the refrigerant, enabling continuous cycling within the system.

Without a compressor, heat transfer cannot occur, rendering the AC unable to cool the room. Due to its heavy workload, the compressor accounts for the largest share of power consumption, often ranging from 80% to 90% of the AC’s total energy usage.

Therefore, if you want to save on electricity, the key isn’t simply turning the AC on and off, but rather ensuring this component doesn’t have to work excessively hard.

Reducing Compressor Load: Smart Tips for Genuine Savings

If you truly want to save electricity while using an AC, the primary focus should be reducing the compressor’s workload. The lighter its task, the less energy it requires.

Here are several steps you can implement:

1. Use Auto Mode

Compressor efficiency is heavily influenced by fan performance during the initial cooling phase. Therefore, Auto Mode offers the most optimal solution. This feature automatically adjusts fan speed based on real-time room temperature conditions.

When the AC is first turned on, the fan operates at high speed to accelerate temperature drop. Once the target temperature is reached and stabilized, the fan speed gradually decreases, resulting in lower power consumption.

2. Avoid Frequently Turning the AC On and Off

While the intention may be to save energy, this habit actually forces the AC compressor to work extra hard repeatedly to prepare the refrigerant. Instead of saving energy, consumption increases because the “restarting” process demands a significant power surge. Conversely, leaving the AC running at a stable setting allows the compressor to operate more lightly and consistently, making electricity usage more efficient.

3. Activate Swing Mode Initially

Activating Swing Mode at the beginning helps distribute cool air faster and more evenly throughout the room. With proper air distribution, the room temperature drops quickly without any hot spots. This reduces the strain on the AC compressor. If cool air isn’t distributed evenly, the AC sensor might “think” the room is still warm, forcing the compressor to run longer than necessary.

4. Keep Indoor Filters and Outdoor Fans Clean

A split AC system operates as an interconnected unit. Therefore, both the indoor and outdoor units directly impact your electricity bill. When aiming to reduce compressor workload, the most crucial factor to monitor is the cleanliness of the indoor filters and outdoor fans. Accumulated dust on these components restricts airflow, making it difficult for warm air to enter and exit the AC unit. Consequently, the room takes much longer to cool down, forcing the compressor to work harder for extended periods.

Is an AC Only Meant for Cooling Air?

While cooling is its primary function, certain AC models, such as those from Daikin, offer additional highly beneficial features, including:

1. Improving Air Quality

Cooling units like Daikin ACs feature advanced filtration innovations that remove viruses, bacteria, and odors. The room stays not only cool but also filled with clean air.

2. Reducing Humidity

ACs equipped with a Dry Mode act as dehumidifiers, preventing rooms from feeling damp and protecting against mold growth.

3. Neutralizing Unpleasant Odors

With modern filtration technologies like the Deodorizing Enzyme Blue Filter, various unpleasant indoor odors can be neutralized, leaving the air feeling fresher and cleaner.

For Better Savings, When Should You Turn Off the AC?

If you plan to leave the room for an extended period, such as going to work or shopping for more than two hours, turning off the AC is a wise choice. However, if you’re only stepping out temporarily for less than 90 minutes, it’s actually more energy-efficient to leave the AC running.

According to industry data, a break of around 30 minutes can increase energy consumption by up to 5%, while a 60-minute break may still lead to roughly 2% energy waste. In other words, the shorter your absence, the less efficient it becomes to frequently turn the AC off and back on.

Reliable AC Choice for Stable Performance and Longevity: DAIKIN AC

Understanding how an AC system works isn’t enough if you don’t pair it with the right unit selection. The quality of components and technology used significantly impacts how efficiently the AC operates and delivers value.

As a widely recognized brand, DAIKIN offers an exceptional range of AC options, from Inverter to Non-Inverter models. All are engineered with advanced AC system designs capable of delivering optimal performance and energy efficiency.

What are you waiting for? Choose DAIKIN AC and discover the best solution for your home! DAIKIN AC: Feel the comfort, experience the savings!