AC temperature to save electricity
What setting to use, why a colder setting does not cool the room faster, and what else brings the AC bill down.
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What temperature should I set my AC to save electricity?
Set it between 24°C and 26°C. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) made 24°C the default setting on star-labelled room ACs from January 2020, and estimates that each degree higher cuts the AC's power use by up to about 6 percent. Running a ceiling fan with the AC lets you set it higher and still feel cool.
Why a colder setting does not cool faster
An AC cools at its full rate whatever number you set. Setting 18°C does not make the room cold sooner. It only keeps the compressor running longer after the room is already comfortable, and you pay for those extra hours.
Most people are comfortable at 24 to 26°C, more so with a fan moving the air. Start at 24°C and go up one degree at a time over a few days.
What the 24°C default means
Under the BEE rule, a star-labelled room AC starts at 24°C when it is switched on for the first time or after a reset. You can still change the setting with the remote. The default is a nudge towards a setting that saves power, not a limit.
Other ways to cut AC power use
- Clean the air filter every two weeks in the season, so the AC moves air freely
- Close doors and windows, and draw curtains on windows that get afternoon sun
- Keep the outdoor unit clear of boxes, plants and covers, so it can throw out heat
- Use the sleep mode or a timer at night, when the room needs less cooling
- When buying, compare the BEE star label. More stars means less power for the same cooling
- Choose the right size for the room, as an AC that is too small runs flat out all day
When the bill stays high
If the AC runs for hours at 24 to 26°C and still cannot hold the room, something may be wrong. Common causes are a dirty coil, low gas from a leak, a weak fan motor or an outdoor unit in a hot, cramped spot.
See AC not cooling for what a technician checks, or book an AC service.
Questions
Is 24°C cool enough in humid Kolkata weather?
Damp air feels warmer than dry air at the same temperature. An AC removes moisture as it cools, so the room feels better than the number suggests. Many ACs also have a dry mode for muggy monsoon days, which works mainly on the moisture.
Should an inverter AC be set differently?
No, the same advice applies. An inverter AC slows its compressor as the room nears the set temperature, so a higher setting lets it run slower for longer, which is where it saves power.
Does the fan speed on the AC matter?
The indoor fan uses little power next to the compressor. A higher fan speed spreads the cool air faster. A lower speed is quieter and removes a little more moisture.
Last updated 2026-11-08
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