Air conditioners stop working when your set temperature is reached, but they will start automatically working again when it gets too hot, unless you have a timer.
Air conditioners are especially effective at keeping spaces cool because they actually lower the temperature of the space and do not just move the air around.
However, having an air conditioner switched on all day can be expensive, even when it is in different operational modes. The only way to make sure that your air conditioner turns off automatically is by setting a timer or using a timer alternative.
How an air conditioner works
Air conditioners come in a variety of types and sizes. However, all of these units work more or less the same way, by actually cooling down the air in your room and transporting excess hot air and humidity outdoors, so that the temperature of the room lowers over time.
This is different to the way that a fan or evaporative cooler works, as these appliances do not actually cool down the air. They only move air around so that you feel cooler, but the temperature of the room does not actually cool down.
Do air conditioners automatically turn off?
As a result, air conditioners are an incredibly effective way to cool down your space when they are adequately sized and well maintained. This is why most air conditioner models allow you to choose a set temperature that you want your space to be.
The air conditioner will work, running the fan motors and compressor to take in the warm air from your space, then cool it down and expel the excess warmth and humidity. Air conditioners often have built-in thermostats that monitor the temperature of your room.
Once the air conditioner reaches this set temperature, it will automatically stop working until the sensors in the unit pick up that the room has gotten too hot again, at which point the air conditioner will automatically switch on again.
In this instance, the air conditioner does not automatically turn off; it just cycles on and off while it is still on. However, since the air conditioner does not turn off, it will continue to use electricity and this can end up costing you a lot on your electricity bill.
This is why many manufacturers now include features such as a “Sleep”, “Eco” or “Auto” mode, all of which use less electricity, but still will not turn your air conditioner off automatically.
Some air conditioners also allow you to set a timer, and this will switch off your air conditioner automatically after the time that you have set and there are some timer alternatives that will allow you to set your air conditioner to switch off automatically.
Do air conditioners turn off in the Sleep, Eco, and Auto modes?
The Sleep, Eco, and Auto modes on your air conditioner are meant to make your unit more convenient to use, but none of these modes will turn off your air conditioner automatically. They will only affect how often your air conditioner cycles.
Even the Auto mode only refers to the air conditioner automatically deciding on the fan mode and speed that is right based on the temperature and humidity of your room and does not refer to the air conditioner automatically switching off.
How air conditioner timers work
Many air conditioner models come with a built-in timer. This is the only real way that your air conditioner can turn off automatically.
You can set the timer on your air conditioner using the remote or the control panel, and the air conditioner will switch on and off at the same set time every day.
Some of the best models that include this functionality are the following:
Air conditioner | Price | Where to buy |
Whirpool 8000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner | $609.99 | ![]() |
Buy it on Amazon | ||
Whirlpool 14,000 BTU 230V Through-The-Wall Air Conditioner | $749.99 | ![]() |
Buy it on Amazon |
Other timer options to turn air conditioners off automatically
If you already have an air conditioner that is installed and it does not have a built-in timer function, you can add a timer switch or an air conditioner controller, which will provide you with the same functionality.
A timer switch, like this best-selling BN-LINK Indoor Mini 24-Hour Mechanical Outlet Timer, which is only $11.99, can be used for any air conditioner that is plugged into a power outlet and it allows you to set a specific amount of time that the air conditioner will have power.
Air conditioner controllers, like this multi-functional Cielo Breez Plus, are a more high-tech option and will turn your air conditioner into a Smart AC. This will allow you to schedule times for the air conditioner to switch on from your mobile devices.
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Buy it on Amazon | Buy it on Amazon |