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Aug 20, 2020

AC: Dry vs Cool

Here is another question about AC, while we are still all depending on it. ACs have the "dry" and "cool" functions. Which one is more energy-saving? I have heard that "it depends", but what does it depend on? Please enlighten me so I can slow electricity bills from lightening my wallet.

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JapanRamen

JapanRamen

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Best Answer

  • JapanExpert

    JapanExpert

    on Aug 20

    Dry mode is an efficient and effective option when simply removing the humidity is enough to make the room feel comfortable. It’s when it’s very hot with low humidity that the cooling function is particularly necessary. On the 35 Degree days, try it with just the dry function (and high fan speed if you can. If that’s not cool enough, don’t despair, less hot days (that will still feel quite hot from the humidity) Are on their way and will be perfect for the dry function.

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  • ReishiiTravels

    ReishiiTravels

    on Aug 21

    I have never even thought about this! I have never used the dry setting on mine. Does it make it comfortable??

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  • genkidesu

    genkidesu

    on Aug 21

    If someone has a definite answer on this I'd love to hear it too - had no idea it would impact the cost!

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  • edthethe

    edthethe

    on Aug 21

    ok, so I have been only using the dry function during the day and my electric bill was 1/3 lower compared to last year. this year has been unusually cooler than previous years though. But we still use the unit daily

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  • helloalissa

    helloalissa

    on Aug 23

    I use the dry function at work sometimes and find it feels cooler than the regular air conditioner function most of the time. The humidity makes it feel so much hotter sometimes!

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  • TonetoEdo

    TonetoEdo

    on Aug 23

    I've been experimenting with my aircon's settings. One thing I recommend is checking to see if the manual is available online in either English or Japanese. Search for the maker and model number of an appliance, and you'd be surprised how many are available. The manual for the Fujitsu aircon unit I found online indicates that yes, dry function is more economical. I also set mine to power saving mode when the temperature isn't so extreme. FWIW, my electrical bill is only Y100-2000 yen higher than low use months.

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  • helloalissa

    helloalissa

    on Aug 25

    The dry mode is essentially a dehumidifier for when it's especially humid but not that hot. It's more energy efficient, but it isn't recommended to use it for more than 1-2 hours at a time. Perfect for the rainy seasons but not necessarily for the hottest part of summer in Japan.

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