Having made the decision to invest in an air conditioning unit (AC unit) can feel like a weight off your shoulders; no more melting in the sweltering heat when it hits the UK or shivering when the temperatures drop to zero out of nowhere.
However, once the excitement of having the air conditioning installed has faded away, you are left with a unit that has so many modes and settings it can feel like a science figuring it all out. Here at Cool-Tec, we know air conditioning systems like the back of our hands, so we have written a guide to demystify the various settings of air conditioning units.
Before we jump right in, we want to put a disclaimer that there are hundreds of different air conditioning units being manufactured, so our guide may not cover all settings. This guide will run through some of the most common settings that are used.
Remember, you can always turn to your manual if there are settings that aren’t covered in this guide.
How do AC units know whether to produce warm or cool air?
Before learning about the several modes of an AC unit, it is handy to understand how air conditioning units work.
Every AC unit will have a built-in temperature sensor which measures the temperature of the air as it sucks it in. If the air is cooler than your desired temperature, the compressor within the AC unit will warm it up, and if the air is warmer than the temperature set, the compressor will work to cool it down.
The Air Conditioning Settings
As mentioned above, most air conditioning units will have several modes and settings. Here is a breakdown of some of those settings.
Cool mode
Most air conditioning units will have this as the default setting. As the mode name suggests, this setting will switch on the compressor to generate cool air.
You will be able to set a temperature that you want the room to drop to; once the room has reached that, the compressor will switch off and leave the fan running.
While great in the summer, as it will create a cool environment, this setting can drain a lot of power. The electricity saving potential will depend on the temperature at which you have the unit set. The recommended temperature for energy-saving is around 24°.
Fan mode
As you might have gathered from the above setting, when this mode is selected, the compressor is off. This means that the unit is circulating air in the room, similar to a portable fan – the temperature isn’t being changed through the unit.
If you are looking to save energy and money, this is a good setting to have on as the compressor isn’t using up energy. However, it does mean that cool air isn’t being pumped around the room.
If you are only going to be using this mode, you should consider buying a regular or ceiling fan.
Dry Mode
Dry mode is mostly used in humid areas. This setting removes the extra humidity in the room by turning on the compressor for short periods of time while the fan runs consistently at a low speed.
Heat Mode
Many air conditioning units also have a heating setting, perfect for winter as it reverses the air conditioning process. Rather than pumping out cold air, it sucks in the cold air and uses the compressor to warm it up.
Auto Mode
Auto mode is similar to cool mode as the AC unit will work to cool the air down. However, unlike cool mode, once the room reaches the set temperature, both the compressor and fan switch off.
This mode is another ideal mode for saving energy and money as once everything is switched off no electricity is used.
Eco Mode
Eco mode also has the same effect as cool mode. However, it works slightly differently, saving you electricity and money.
When an AC unit is on this setting, the fan speed is increased, and the temperature is two degrees higher than the set temperature. While you won’t feel the difference, your energy bill certainly will!
Cool-Tec knowledge that makes a difference
Hopefully, this guide will help you select an air conditioning setting that works best for you and your environment.
The team at Cool-Tec are experts in climate control and are always on hand to help you get the most from your air conditioning unit and settings. With a range of services on offer across Dorset, we can help with pretty much anything, from air conditioning installation to maintenance and repair to inspections.
Has this article helped you decide to invest in an air conditioning unit? Book an appointment online with our friendly specialists to discuss your requirements, or call us on 0800 0189941.
