Common Mistakes When Using Air Conditioning

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Ngày cập nhật gần nhất: 15/4/2026

Many Vietnamese families still believe that installing and using an air conditioner in the hottest area of the room, even in the corner, will quickly reduce the temperature and create a cool atmosphere for the room. However, this belief is completely misguided and can lead to inefficient operation and higher electricity consumption.

1. Common Mistakes When Using Air Conditioning

Installing the Air Conditioner in a Hot Corner

Instead, users should install the unit in cool, well-ventilated locations at the center of the room. This way, the room's temperature can decrease rapidly, and then gradually cool the areas where heat tends to accumulate, such as the wall surfaces and corners.

Continuous Temperature Adjustments to Save Electricity

Many individuals have the habit of constantly adjusting or turning the air conditioner on and off under the belief that it saves electricity. However, this practice disrupts the normal operation of the unit. Most modern air conditioners have sensors to maintain a stable temperature, making manual adjustments unnecessary.

Turning off the air conditioner briefly when leaving the room and turning it back on upon return also consumes more electricity than expected as the unit has to start multiple times. Additionally, this behavior increases the risk of damaging the air conditioner.

Running the Air Conditioner 24/7

Running the air conditioner all day unnecessarily consumes a significant amount of electricity. Most air conditioners only require a few minutes to cool your home effectively. It's advisable to turn on the air conditioner in the morning to cool the room and then turn it off. This cycle can be repeated in the afternoon. If it's not excessively hot, you can turn off the air conditioner while sleeping at night. The human body can tolerate higher temperatures while sleeping compared to when awake.

Frequently Closing Doors When Using the Air Conditioner

Unnoticed Fact: Air in tightly sealed air-conditioned rooms is often 2-5 times more harmful than outdoor air. Continuous use of air conditioning in small, sealed rooms can make us feel very stuffy and heavy after just a few days, as if we're 'running out of oxygen to breathe.'

While it's still important to limit opening and closing room doors to prevent cold air loss, don't let the room air become too stagnant, which can harm health. Opening the room door for about 15-30 minutes allows the room to 'breathe,' replacing stale air with fresh air. When buying an air conditioner, opt for newer models equipped with air purification and antibacterial functions.

Buying a Used Unit to Save Money

Investing in a new air conditioner can be challenging, so many families opt for used units to save costs. However, you may end up spending more than the saved amount on electricity bills due to high power consumption or maintenance and repairs as the unit has been used for a long time.

Additionally, the cooling efficiency of used units is low due to weak motors, failing to achieve the desired cooling and consuming more electricity.

According to experts, air conditioners should be replaced after 10 years of use. A new unit can help you reduce cooling costs by 30-50%, offsetting the initial purchase cost. The unit needs regular maintenance, cleaning, and keeping the air vents clear, replacing filters at least every 2 months.

Avoiding the Use of Ceiling Fans

Many believe that air conditioning can entirely replace traditional ceiling fans. However, ceiling fans can actually enhance air conditioning efficiency by circulating air throughout the room. They not only save electricity but also reduce wear and tear on air conditioner components. Fans create a cool breeze effect, providing a more comfortable sensation.

Neglecting to Clean, Replace Air Filters, and Maintain the Unit Regularly

Air filters are components that remove dust from indoor air. Over time, they become clogged with a thick layer of dust, so they need to be cleaned or replaced regularly to ensure the air conditioner operates smoothly and blows cold air effectively.

Air conditioners need to be cleaned and filters replaced every 3 months. Cooling coils also need to be checked regularly to prevent leaks.

Additionally, many households often overlook regular maintenance because they think the air conditioner runs smoothly and quietly. However, air conditioners need to be cleaned and filters replaced every 3 months. Cooling coils also need to be checked regularly to prevent leaks. Failure to clean regularly will allow dust to accumulate, causing the unit to overheat and gradually affect its operation.

Mismatched Air Conditioner Size for the Area

Many believe that the larger the air conditioner, the better its performance. However, in reality, an oversized air conditioner will cycle on and off frequently, resulting in excessive energy consumption and uncomfortable temperature fluctuations.

If you need a new air conditioner, choose a reputable supplier and have them accurately calculate the appropriate cooling capacity for your home's needs.

Setting the Air Conditioner Temperature Too Low

Setting the air conditioner at too low a temperature can make you prone to illness due to the high temperature difference between indoors and outdoors. Especially, elderly people and young children with weak immune systems are susceptible to headaches, sore throats, stuffy noses, etc. Therefore, a temperature of around 25 degrees Celsius is usually ideal.

You should also avoid sudden temperature changes. Do not enter an air-conditioned room immediately after coming in from the sun or after vigorous exercise. Before leaving the room, stand at the open door for a few minutes to allow your body to adjust to the hot outdoor air. However, try to avoid frequent coming and going to limit the body's disruption from having to constantly adjust to the temperature.

Placing a Water Bowl in the Air-Conditioned Room

Many individuals often have the habit of placing a water bowl in the air-conditioned room. However, this action can pose health risks, especially for children, as the moisture will attract dust and bacteria that cause illnesses.

According to doctors, to ensure proper air circulation in the room, families should install additional ventilation fans when using air conditioners and regularly open windows.

When using air conditioning for young children, parents should pay attention to the room temperature. Therefore, it's advisable to use a thermometer instead of relying solely on the temperature displayed on the air conditioner. The temperature of the air conditioner and the room may differ depending on the quality of the machine, the area, and the walls.

Source: vietnamnet.vn

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common mistakes when using air conditioners in Vietnamese homes?

Many Vietnamese families mistakenly install air conditioners in hot corners, believing it will cool the room faster. This practice can lead to inefficient cooling and higher electricity bills. Instead, it's best to place the unit in cooler, well-ventilated areas of the room for optimal performance.

How often should air conditioner filters be cleaned or replaced?

Air conditioner filters should be cleaned or replaced every three months to ensure the unit operates efficiently. Neglecting this maintenance can cause the unit to overheat and reduce its cooling effectiveness, leading to increased electricity consumption.

Is it true that running an air conditioner 24/7 is cost-effective?

No, running an air conditioner continuously is not cost-effective. Most air conditioners can cool a room effectively in just a few minutes. It is more efficient to use them periodically rather than keeping them on all day.

Can ceiling fans help improve air conditioning efficiency?

Yes, ceiling fans can enhance air conditioning efficiency by circulating air throughout the room. This not only helps maintain a comfortable temperature but also reduces wear and tear on the air conditioning unit, leading to lower electricity bills.

Why should you avoid placing a water bowl in an air-conditioned room?

Placing a water bowl in an air-conditioned room can attract dust and bacteria, posing health risks, especially for children. To maintain proper air circulation, it's better to use ventilation fans and regularly open windows.

What are the risks of installing a used air conditioner?

Buying a used air conditioner may seem cost-effective, but it can lead to higher electricity bills and maintenance costs due to reduced efficiency and potential repairs. New units often provide better cooling and lower operating costs.

What is the ideal temperature setting for air conditioners?

The ideal temperature setting for air conditioners is around 25 degrees Celsius. This temperature helps prevent illness due to drastic temperature changes and maintains comfort without overworking the unit.

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