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New Delhi: As temperatures continue to soar across the country, many households are relying heavily on air conditioners to stay comfortable. But in an attempt to save electricity, several people follow a common habit - switching the AC off once the room cools down and turning it back on when it gets warm again.
Experts say this strategy may actually increase your electricity bill instead of reducing it.
Why Repeatedly Turning the AC On and Off Costs More
Every time an air conditioner starts, its compressor - the component that consumes the most power - requires a large surge of electricity to begin operating. This sudden spike in energy use happens each time the AC is restarted.
Frequent switching forces the compressor to work harder and consume more electricity than it would during steady operation. In the long run, this habit can make your AC less energy-efficient.
It Also Damages the AC
Repeated stop-and-start cycles are not just expensive; they can also reduce the lifespan of your air conditioner. Constant restarting puts extra pressure on the compressor, capacitors, and other electrical components, increasing the chances of breakdowns and costly repairs.
If you need to switch the AC off, experts recommend waiting at least 30 to 35 minutes before turning it back on.
Inverter ACs Already Manage Power Efficiently
Modern inverter air conditioners are designed to regulate temperature automatically. Once the desired temperature is reached, the compressor slows down instead of shutting off completely. This helps maintain cooling while using less electricity.
When the room temperature rises again, the compressor gradually speeds up instead of restarting from scratch, making inverter ACs more energy-efficient and reducing wear and tear.
Use “Auto Mode” Instead of Manual Switching
For inverter AC users, experts recommend using “Auto Mode” rather than manually turning the unit on and off. Auto Mode allows the system to adjust cooling based on room temperature, ensuring consistent comfort and better energy savings.
Bottom Line
Switching your AC on and off repeatedly may seem like a smart way to save electricity, but it can actually increase power consumption and damage the appliance over time. Experts advise allowing the AC to run efficiently using its built-in temperature controls and maintaining it properly for lower electricity bills and better cooling performance.
