East Asian utility guidance on air conditioning efficiency

Utility providers in China and Taiwan have issued guidance to clarify misconceptions regarding air conditioning energy efficiency and electricity savings.

In mainland China, the State Grid Beijing Electric Power Company refuted online claims suggesting that running air conditioners 24 hours a day reduces monthly costs. The department advised that for absences under one hour, users should raise the thermostat by 1–2 °C rather than turning the unit off. Recommended practices include using fans to lower perceived temperature, closing curtains to block sunlight, and maintaining a “golden zone” of 26–28 °C.

Similarly, the Taiwan Power Company addressed energy-saving myths, advising against the ‘low wind’ setting in favor of ‘auto mode’ to prevent increased compressor load. The company suggested increasing wind speed during hot afternoons and utilizing ‘sleep mode’ for nighttime efficiency. They also noted that dedicated dehumidifiers are more efficient than air conditioner dehumidification modes and recommended turning off inverter units during long absences.