Air Conditioners- which setting is more efficient?

Factual Questions
1

Right now I have my window AC unit on low cool, high fan. It works well, to the point where sometime I need to throw on some socks due to chilly toes. I am happy because it’s 88 degrees outside and only 72 in my apartment.

But I’m afraid of the electricity bill. I’ve never had AC before, so I have no idea what to expect. So my question is, what is using more energy, the coolness setting or the fan? Should I change it to high cool, low fan? Medium/medium?

I’m totally ignorant about air conditioners. Maybe nothing will make a difference and it will just be butt expensive. Any tips?

2

The ‘coolness’ setting is what’s going to cost the money.
It’s going to be cheaper to run just a fan, then it is to run a fan AND a compressor.

3

The two things that will keep you comfortable are drier air and a cooler temperature. The highest temperature that is still comfortable is the one to choose. If there is no auto setting for the fan (so that it comes on only when the compressor is on and cooling the air) experiment with both hi and lo fan settings and see which is more comfortable. When the fan runs without the compressor moisture is not being removed from the air so it isn’t doing all that much.

The compressor uses more electricity than the fan.

The efficiency of the unit itself can make the most difference–its SEER plus its sizing for the space it is cooling. Presumably you cannot change that.

4

Thanks for the replies. I just double checked the unit, and I’m dum. I had it on high cool, low fan. I just changed it to low cool, medium fan to see if I can tell much of a difference.

I have no idea if my unit itself is very efficient- it’s built into the wall below the window and came with the apartment. I figure that it can’t cost more than $50 a month extra if we run it most of the time (my plan is to check the forecast ahead and turn it off at night if it’s supposed to be less than 83 degrees the next day) and $25 per person is pretty cheap for summertime comfort. Am I being naive with my price estimate? I’m sure I’ll get a bill soon enough and I’ll know for sure then.

5

Do any of your neighbors have similar units? If so, ask what it’s been costing them.

(As for you question, afraid I don’t know, as I don’t live in AC country.)

6

I’m not sure how yours is set up but in general for max cooling with the least energy you want high fan when the compressor is running and no fan when the compressor is off.

You also want to set the temp dial to the highest temp you will tolerate.

If possible the a/c should be in a window or wall where the sun doesn’t shine on it during peak usage periods.

Other considerations such as continuity of noise, sound level of noise, wind annoyance, and humidity desires may effect those dial settings.