Power Utility Debunks 24-Hour Aircon Savings Claim
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 10 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hot weather across parts of mainland China has fueled online debate over whether running an air conditioner nonstop for 24 hours can lower monthly power bills, but electricity authorities have rejected that claim as unsupported . According to a CCTV report on July 6 citing State Grid Beijing Electric Power Company, residents should not imitate the practice without evidence . The utility said short absences may justify raising the thermostat by 1°C to 2°C instead of shutting the unit off, while longer periods away, such as a full workday, make restarting later the more economical choice . It also recommended four practical habits to save electricity while maintaining cooling performance .
Key Points
- Online posts claimed nonstop air-conditioning cost 118 yuan monthly, versus 198 yuan for night-only use and 490 yuan for frequent switching .
- The discussion spread as many mainland regions faced intense heat, prompting large online debate and skepticism from users reporting far higher bills .
- State Grid Beijing Electric Power Company said the 24-hour savings claim lacks basis and warned the public not to follow it blindly .
- For absences under one hour, raising the temperature by 1°C to 2°C is more efficient than repeatedly turning units off and on .
- Recommended settings include fans, curtains against strong sunlight, and a 26°C to 28°C range, with 23°C briefly after returning home .
Why It Matters
The advice matters because air-conditioning use rises sharply during hot spells, and misleading energy-saving tips can leave households with higher bills rather than lower ones . The guidance also highlights that efficient cooling depends on usage patterns, room conditions, and thermostat management, not viral one-size-fits-all claims .