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Inverter AC Power Mode: While an air conditioner offers relief during the summer heat, the resulting electricity bill can be a shock. Most people believe that running an AC at full capacity is the best option, but experts suggest this isn't necessarily the most cost-effective method. Specifically, a feature found in inverter ACs can significantly reduce power consumption. Let’s explore how the '60% capacity mode' works and the potential savings it offers.

Is this feature available in every AC?
First, it is important to understand that this facility is not available in all air conditioners. This feature is exclusive to inverter ACs that offer convertible or flexible modes.
Traditional fixed-speed ACs do not provide the option to control capacity in this manner.
Additionally, minimum capacity levels vary across different brands and models; some ACs can operate at 60% capacity, while others do not go below 75% or 80%.

How does the AC operate in 60% mode?

The compressor is the component that consumes the most electricity in an air conditioner. When the AC runs at full capacity, the compressor operates at a higher RPM and draws more current. However, in 60% mode, the compressor's speed is restricted. The refrigerant circulates more slowly, and heat exchange occurs more efficiently.
This results in lower power consumption while providing consistent cooling over extended periods. That is why an inverter AC running at a lower speed is capable of delivering better cooling efficiency per unit of electricity consumed. Understand the full calculation of monthly expenses via this table:

Suppose you run the AC for 8 hours daily and the electricity rate is ₹8 per unit; your expenses based on the operating modes would look like this:

AC Capacity | Power Consumption | Daily Cost | Monthly Cost (30 days) | Monthly Savings
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
100% Capacity | 12 units | ₹96 | ₹2,880 | (Base Price)
80% Capacity | 9.3 units | ₹75 | ₹2,304 | Savings of ₹576
75% Capacity | 9 units | ₹72 | ₹2,160 | Savings of ₹720
60% Capacity | 7.2 units | ₹57.60 | ₹1,728 | Massive savings of ₹1,152

The Right Way to Use It

If your room is very hot or you have just returned from outdoors in the afternoon, do not make the mistake of switching directly to the 60% mode. Since the compressor runs slower in this mode, it will take a long time to cool down a hot room.

What is the best approach?
Step 1: Upon turning on the AC, run it at 100% capacity first so that the room's walls and the air cool down quickly.
Step 2: As soon as the room temperature reaches a comfortable level (or your desired setting), immediately switch the mode to 60% (or the lowest setting available on your AC) using the remote.
Always remember that the 60% mode is a maintenance mode (designed to sustain the cooling); it is not a shortcut for rapid cooling. By using this technology correctly, you can spend the entire summer in comfort without worrying about hefty electricity bills.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.