5 small steps to help air conditioner cool quickly and save electricity

(Dan Tri) - By simply adjusting a few small steps in usage, users can cool faster, save more electricity while still protecting their health.

In the midst of the peak summer heat, air conditioning has become an indispensable device in every household. However, not everyone uses air conditioning properly to ensure both cooling efficiency and saving electricity costs.

In fact, by simply changing a few small steps during use, users can significantly improve the performance of the air conditioner. Below are 5 simple but effective suggestions recommended by refrigeration experts.

1. Direct the air conditioner airflow up so that the cold air spreads more evenly.

Adjusting the airflow from your air conditioner can help cool a room 10–15% faster (Photo: Getty).

Most users tend to let the air conditioner blow down low, directly to the sitting or lying position, thinking that this will quickly feel cool.

However, this is the least efficient way to use it. According to the principle of physics, cold air is heavier so it tends to sink down, while hot air is lighter so it tends to accumulate above the ceiling.

When you point the air conditioner vent up, the cold air will slowly descend and spread evenly throughout the room, helping to reduce the temperature comprehensively instead of just cooling locally.

On the contrary, if the air flow blows directly onto the seat, the air conditioner will only cool a small area, while most of the room will remain hot, causing the device to operate at high capacity for a long time, resulting in more electricity consumption.

Adjusting the wind direction correctly not only helps cool the room 10-15% faster, but also helps the machine quickly reach the set temperature, thereby saving electricity and reducing the machine's load capacity.

2. Increase fan speed when first turning on the machine to speed up the cooling process.

When first turning on the machine, users should proactively adjust the air conditioner fan speed to the highest level (Photo: Getty).

One of the common misconceptions when using air conditioning is that setting the temperature very low will help cool the room faster. In fact, air conditioning only cools quickly if the cold air is circulated strongly and evenly throughout the space. This depends mainly on the wind speed, not the set temperature.

When you first turn on the machine, you should proactively adjust the fan speed of the air conditioner to the highest level to speed up the distribution of cold air in the room. If the air conditioner has "Turbo" or "Powerful" modes, you should use them.

In addition, a very effective tip is to combine the use of an electric fan for the first 5-10 minutes to support cold air circulation, especially in large rooms or rooms with many hidden corners.

Proper fan speed control increases cooling efficiency without having to force the air conditioner to run at low temperatures, which is costly and harmful to health.

3. Limit heat loss and block sunlight

It is important to minimize heat radiation from outside into the room (Photo: Getty).

Air conditioning will be ineffective if the room space is constantly “leaking heat” from the outside, especially during the hot sun hours of midday or afternoon. Heat can enter through gaps in doors, windows, glass walls or ceilings if not properly shielded.

However, if the air-conditioned room door is closed for many hours, the room will become stuffy, the user will feel stuffy, heavy, and lack of oxygen to breathe.

Therefore, it is necessary to ensure "fresh air" by leaving the window or door slightly open. In addition, families can also arrange wall fans with suitable flow.

For rooms facing west or with large glass doors, shading is especially necessary because these surfaces can increase the room temperature by 2–3 degrees compared to other locations.

Installing heat-insulating curtains, applying heat-insulating film or using double-glazed windows will help reduce the amount of heat radiation absorbed from the outside into the room.

4. Set the temperature to a reasonable 26–28°C instead of too low

Do not set the room temperature too low (Photo: Getty).

One of the biggest causes of energy waste is setting the air conditioner temperature too low, usually below 22°C, in the hope of cooling quickly.

However, the large temperature difference between indoors and outdoors not only causes the machine to operate continuously at high capacity, but also increases the risk of heat shock, dry throat and respiratory diseases.

According to the recommendations of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Health, the air conditioner temperature should be set at 26–28°C to suit Vietnam's climate conditions and the body's thermoregulation mechanism.

The smaller the difference, the more energy-efficient the air conditioner is because the compressor can alternately stop and start instead of running continuously. Practical studies show that every 1°C difference can increase electricity consumption by 7–10%, so maintaining a stable temperature within the recommended range not only saves money but also brings a more natural feeling of comfort.

5. Clean the air conditioner regularly to keep it running smoothly and save electricity.

When dust sticks to the filter, the performance of the air conditioner will be significantly reduced (Photo: Getty).

Dust accumulated in the evaporator and filter not only obstructs the airflow but also makes the air conditioner operate slowly, causing greater power consumption than normal.

When the dust layer is thick, cold air cannot escape easily, causing the machine to increase the cooling time to reach the set temperature. As a result, the compressor operates longer, consumes more electricity and is prone to overheating, leading to a reduction in the life of the device.

Therefore, regular cleaning of the air conditioner is an indispensable operation if you want to use it economically and effectively. Users should clean the filter every 1-2 months with clean water, dry thoroughly before reinstalling.

In addition, you should hire a professional technician to perform general maintenance at least 1-2 times a year to check the condition of the gas, condenser and evaporator, ensuring the machine always operates stably.

According to technical studies, a properly cleaned air conditioner can save 10-20% of electricity consumption compared to a heavily dusty machine, while also avoiding respiratory diseases caused by bacteria and mold.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/khoa-hoc/5-thao-tac-nho-giup-dieu-hoa-mat-nhanh-tiet-kiem-dien-20250805094646135.htm