Most individuals believe that lowering their A/C temperature when entering a very hot room will increase the speed at which it cools down the room, this is not true. This common misconception regarding A/C units is completely untrue.
When an A/C unit is operating, it produces either its specified output based on the amount of air flowing through it, or it produces as much air as it has been designed to supply. In most cases, an A/C unit does not produce any colder air when the temperature is set to 16ºC, or when it is set to 24ºC.
Why 16°C Doesn’t Cool Faster
When an air conditioner is running, it operates at its designed cooling capacity. When you turn the thermostat down to 16°C, the air conditioning unit does not work harder or generate colder air any faster.
Instead, the air conditioning unit:
- runs the compressor longer;
- runs continuously to achieve the lower set point;
- draws on more electricity;
- may leave the room excessively cold.
The Impact on Your Electricity Bill
As a result, when the A/C is set to 16ºC instead of 24ºC, you will end up paying:
1. More money in energy used
2. More wear on the equipment
3. More money on energy bills
4. A longer A/C run cycle
What Actually Helps Rooms Cool Faster?
Instead of setting the thermostat higher than needed:
- Close drapes and blinds;
- Keep windows and doors closed;
- Regularly change the filters on your air conditioning system;
- Use ceiling fans and other means to circulate air;
- Avoid using heat-producing appliances during peak heat times.
Final Words
An air conditioner set to 25 degrees Celsius does not cool a room faster than 23 degrees Celsius; however, because the air conditioning can’t continually use all its energy, it will use more than it would if your air conditioner were set to a higher temperature. Therefore, ideally (for most homes) your air conditioner would be set anywhere from 22-24 degrees Celsius providing you’ve found something warm enough to limit how long the air conditioner is running.
FAQs
Is there a difference in cooling time between 25-degree and 23-degree air conditioning systems?
No. There is no difference in how quickly either of those systems cools.
Do compressor units have longer run times when operating at 25 degrees Celsius?
Yes. It takes longer for the compressor to reach a target of 25 degrees Celsius than it does when set to a range less than that.
What is the recommended temperature for air conditioner use?
Most people and experts agree that an air conditioner should be set to a temperature between 21 and 24 degrees Celsius to achieve the greatest energy efficiency and comfort level.
Will my electric bill increase if I run my air conditioning unit at 25 degrees Celsius?
Yes. Similar to #2, if cooling takes longer than running the system at lower temps will take shorter amounts of time to run the air conditioning system all day.
