It’s no wonder that today’s air conditioners and remote controls provide such a wide range of features! It can be overwhelming when you’re faced with so many different options for controlling your air conditioner.  Air conditioning units have many symbols that indicate different functions. Some models have unique symbols or functions on their remote control, but since these components are also a vital part of any AC unit, let’s explore what these air conditioner modes and functions do.

Lets Us Start with the Most Basic Functions

ON/OFF button

The ON/OFF button is a simple symbol to understand. It switches on or off your air conditioning system.

PLUS/MINUS signs button

This button is used to adjust the temperature you desire. Pressing the (+) plus button will increase the temperature by one degree, and the (-) minus button decreases the temperature by a degree. 

Know Your Air Conditioner Modes

Cool Mode

Commonly symboled with a snowflake – the cool mode is basically the default mode of most AC units. When you use this mode, your air conditioner starts by turning on the compressor to push cold air into the room. The internal temperature sensor within the AC senses when the desired temperature has been reached, and when this happens, the compressor will switch off and only the fan will run.

Fan Mode

The fan mode turns on the fan to circulate cool air around the room. If you want a mild breeze, but don’t need to lower the temperature drastically, use fan mode. 

This mode can save energy since it is not using the compressor. However, it does not offer any cooling effect but rather circulates or blows air. The fan mode is generally represented by a windmill symbol.

Dry Mode

A water droplet commonly represents this mode. Among other of your air conditioner modes and function, the dry mode can be very useful if you’re living in a humid area. The dry mode or “dehumidification” is a feature that can be found on several ducted and split-type air conditioning units that can reduce humidity levels in a room. It is intended for days when the weather is humid but not too hot or too cold. It’s for those days when the weather has a tropical feel, but it’s just a little too cool to use cooling mode. 

Heat Mode / Reverse Cycle Mode

Usually represented by different versions of the sun. When your AC is in reverse cycle mode, the airflow within your air conditioning unit is reversed. Hot air is introduced instead of being blown out to the environment, and cold air is ejected outside. This mode can be very useful during the winter or cold season.

If you are using a gas ducted heating system, here’s why you should consider upgrading. In fact, some Australian government units are encouraging and offering rebates for residents to switch.

Auto Mode

Auto mode is a function on many air conditioning systems that allows the unit to adjust its cooling power automatically in response to changing room conditions. Auto mode also helps ensure consistent comfort for your family by maintaining a comfortable temperature and relative humidity in the room. 

Eco Mode

The eco mode is one of the most energy-efficient modes on your air conditioner modes and functions. The eco mode works by efficiently using the AC unit’s compressor and fan so that minimal energy is consumed to achieve the desired temperature. When the air conditioning reaches this temperature, the compressor is turned off and the fan speed is maintained. This maintains the desired temperature without using extra energy.

Turbo Mode

The turbo mode is a mode of an air conditioning system that causes the compressor and fan to run faster. This mode can be used to cool or heat a space more quickly than other modes. Some manufacturers also call this mode high power, jet, or power mode.

Other Important Functions of Your AC remote

Fan Speed

A fan in an air conditioner discharges cool or warm air into a space. You can control the speed at which you want to cool or heat by adjusting the fan speed; most ACs have four settings: low, medium, high, and auto. The auto setting regulates the speed of the fan in reaction to temperature changes so that it will automatically increase or decrease depending on whether you need more cooling or heating. The higher the setting goes, the faster your fan will work.

Timer Setting

The timer setting is a function that allows you to program your air conditioner to turn on and off at certain times. For example, some people set their air conditioners to turn on when they arrive home from work or school and turn them off immediately after leaving the house. You can refer to the user manual for instructions about how to set this feature up since every manufacturer has a different way of doing it.

Air Swing Control

Air swing control is a feature that can be used to adjust the airflow direction in an air conditioner. Depending on whether your air conditioner supports it, modern ACs can swing left, right, up, or down.

Quiet Mode

Some air conditioners feature a quiet mode that allows the fan to run at minimal speed, creating a tranquil environment. This setting is generally used when the air conditioning unit is in a space where noise is not welcome, such as at night.

Understanding your air conditioner modes and functions will help you use your unit efficiently. What we’ve reviewed here should give you a grasp of most of the operations and symbols involved. 

Need air conditioning installation or other services? Our team of air conditioning professionals is here to provide you with assistance, as we want our customers to feel satisfied. The whole process boils down to communication and trust—you must be able to count on us for your air conditioning service needs. Contact Stag Electrical now.