How to set your air conditioner correctly in winter to save energy

How to set your air conditioner correctly in winter to save energy

Using air conditioning in winter is one of the smartest solutions for achieving thermal comfort and keeping energy bills low.
With modern heat pump models and inverter technology , you can heat your home quickly, efficiently and sustainably.
However, to really get the most out of it, it's essential to set it up correctly .

In this article, we'll see how to adjust the temperature, fan, airflow, and timer, as well as a series of practical tips for reducing consumption and prolonging the life of your appliance .

Understanding Heat Pump Technology
First of all, you need to know how the air conditioner works in “HEAT” mode.
The heat pump does not generate heat, but transfers thermal energy from outside to inside the home.
In practice, even when it's cold outside, the system is able to extract heat from the outside air and distribute it throughout the home, ensuring uniform comfort.
This physical principle allows for very high energy efficiency: for every kWh consumed , the heat pump can provide up to 4 kWh of useful heat .
This is why a good A+++ class inverter air conditioner is much more efficient than a traditional gas system .

The ideal temperature for heating your home
One of the most common mistakes is setting temperatures too high.
Many users, accustomed to the boiler, set 24 or 25°C: but in the case of an air conditioner, this only means higher consumption and worse comfort .
The ideal temperature is between 19°C and 21°C .
Each additional degree leads to an average increase in consumption of 6-7% .
Setting the correct temperature means heating more evenly, keeping the humidity in the room at optimal levels.
Another helpful tip: Don't keep turning the power on and off .
It's best to keep the appliance on for longer at reduced power: the inverter automatically adjusts the intensity, avoiding waste.

Recommended modes for winter
The air conditioners offer different operating modes: HEAT, AUTO, ECO, DRY and FAN .
In winter, the ideal mode is HEAT , which activates the reverse thermal cycle to produce hot air.

• HEAT: standard heating mode
  
  

• AUTO: the system decides whether to cool or heat based on the set temperature
  
  

• ECO: reduces power to optimize consumption
  
  

• FAN: ventilation only, useful for recirculating air
  
  

• DRY: dehumidification, to be avoided in winter
  
  

Depending on the size of the room, you can choose the most suitable power:

• 9,000 BTU → up to 25 m²
  
  

• 12,000 BTU → up to 35 m²
  
  

• 18,000 BTU → up to 50 m²
  
  

Fan, airflow and direction
The direction of the air is also essential to obtain uniform heat.
Hot air tends to rise, so the fins must be oriented downwards .
This way the flow of hot air is distributed evenly, avoiding cold areas.
Set the fan to AUTO or MEDIA .
The automatic speed adjusts the intensity based on the room temperature, ensuring the best compromise between comfort and consumption.
Instead, avoid the TURBO mode , which consumes a lot of energy and is only useful for short periods (for example, to quickly heat a cold room).

Programming and timers: the secret to intelligent comfort
Modern air conditioners, especially smart Wi-Fi ones , allow you to set automatic on and off times.
The timer is a valuable feature for managing consumption: set it to turn on 30-40 minutes before you return and to turn off automatically during the night.
This way you will always find the house warm, without leaving it on unnecessarily.
If your air conditioner is compatible, download the dedicated app to control it remotely via smartphone: you can adjust the temperature and times even when you're away from home.

Periodic maintenance and cleaning of filters
A clean air conditioner consumes less and emits healthier air.
Dirty filters reduce air circulation, forcing the engine to work harder.
Every 3-4 weeks, remove the internal filters, wash them with warm water and neutral detergent, let them dry and reinstall them.
Also, once every 6 months, check that the outdoor unit is free of dust, leaves, or obstructions.
On our website you will find cleaning and sanitizing kits for air conditioners , with antibacterial sprays and professional detergents.

Practical tips for reducing consumption

• Keep interior doors closed to heat only the rooms you use.
  
  

• Avoid blocking airflow with curtains or furniture.
  
  

• Close windows and shutters to retain heat.
  
  

• Use thermal curtains or blinds to improve insulation.
  
  

• Don't set temperatures too high at night.
  
  

With these simple precautions you can reduce consumption by up to 25–30% , while always maintaining ideal comfort.

When is it best to replace your old air conditioner?
If your appliance is more than 10 years old, it probably uses twice as much energy as a modern model.
The new air conditioners powered by eco-friendly R32 gas and with A+++ energy class guarantee immediate savings and high performance even at very low outside temperatures.
Furthermore, with the Home Bonus and Ecobonus 2025 , you can recover up to 65% of the expense .
On our e-commerce site you'll find an updated selection of the best heat pump air conditioners , already eligible for incentives.
Setting your air conditioner correctly in winter not only improves home comfort, but also allows you to save on your monthly bill.
All it takes is knowing the right settings, performing regular maintenance, and choosing an energy-efficient model.
Visit our e-commerce site to discover offers on A+++ inverter air conditioners , perfect for heating your home intelligently and sustainably.