Adjusting the temperature alone is not enough to effectively save energy. The real secret lies in a small button on the air conditioner remote that is often overlooked: the “Eco,” “Energy Saving,” or “Econo” button.

Why Setting 28 Degrees Isn’t Always Energy-Efficient
Many people believe that setting the temperature to 28 degrees Celsius is a moderate setting that won’t overwork the air conditioner and thus save energy. However, this belief doesn’t consider other important factors:
- Outdoor temperature: If the outdoor temperature is extremely high (35–40 degrees Celsius), the air conditioner will have to work harder and longer to cool the room to 28 degrees, resulting in higher energy consumption.
- Room insulation: A room with poor insulation or drafts will cause the air conditioner to run continuously, even at higher settings.
- Number of occupants: The more people in the room, the greater the heat generated, requiring the air conditioner to work harder.
Conclusion: Setting the temperature to 28 degrees may not be more energy-efficient than 26 degrees if other factors are not considered.
The Magic Button That Saves You Money: Eco / Econo / Energy Saving
On most modern air conditioners, there is an often-neglected feature that can reduce energy consumption by up to 20–30%: the energy-saving mode.
Different Brands, Same Purpose:
Brand | Button Name | Function |
---|---|---|
Daikin, Panasonic | ECONO | Reduces operating capacity, saving energy |
LG, Samsung | Energy Saving | Optimizes energy consumption |
Toshiba, Midea | ECO | Maintains stable temperature, saving energy |
How It Works:
- When this mode is activated, the compressor operates at a lower capacity.
- The fan and temperature are automatically adjusted to achieve the most energy-efficient state.
- The room will gradually cool down to a comfortable temperature without sudden changes.
Real-Life Example: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Scenario | Settings | Estimated Summer Electricity Bill |
---|---|---|
A | 28°C, without energy-saving mode | ~1,000,000 VND |
B | 26°C + Eco mode | ~700,000 VND |
That’s a savings of 300,000 VND per month, not to mention the reduced strain on the air conditioner, leading to longer equipment life and fewer repairs.

Combine With These Tips for Maximum Energy Savings
- Keep the room doors and windows closed when the air conditioner is on.
- Use curtains or blinds to block direct sunlight.
- Clean the air conditioner filters regularly (once every two weeks).
- Use a fan in conjunction with the air conditioner for more even cooling.
- Avoid frequently turning the air conditioner on and off.
Simply setting the temperature to 28 degrees Celsius does not guarantee energy savings. By engaging the Eco / Econo / Energy Saving mode, you can significantly reduce your energy costs and prolong the life of your air conditioner. A small adjustment can make a big difference in your summer electricity bills.