针对网络流传的"24小时开空调更省电"说法，电力部门近日作出澄清[1]。根据实际情况，这一观点需要分情况讨论：短暂外出不足1小时，不关空调而是调高温度1-2℃确实比频繁启停更节电；但长时间离家，例如整天上班，应当关闭空调以降低成本[1]。
电力公司同时推荐了多项实用的空调省电方法[1]。在温度设置上，26℃至28℃是推荐的黄金区间，若需快速降温可初启时设置23℃，30分钟后调回26℃[1]。此外，定期清洗空调以去除积尘、配合电扇使用可使体感温度降低2-3℃、拉窗帘遮挡强光等措施都能提高能效[1]。空调的除湿模式在不超过2小时的使用时间内，能使体感温度降低2-4℃[1]。电力部门还建议每2-3小时开窗通风一次，每次10-15分钟，并提醒老年人防范隐性中暑风险和定期开窗通风[1]。
A viral claim that keeping air conditioning on continuously saves electricity has sparked widespread debate online. China's power utility has now provided clarification on the most efficient approach to air conditioning use.[1]
According to the power company's guidance, the decision to keep an air conditioner running depends on how long one will be away from home.[1] For brief absences lasting less than an hour, leaving the unit on while raising the temperature by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius consumes less electricity than repeatedly turning the system on and off.[1] However, when leaving home for extended periods such as a full workday, turning off the air conditioner entirely proves more economical.[1]
Beyond the on-or-off question, the power utility has recommended several additional strategies to reduce electricity consumption.[1] Setting the thermostat to between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius represents an optimal temperature range, though the unit can initially be set to 23 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes to cool the space quickly before being adjusted back to 26 degrees.[1] The company also advises cleaning the air filter to remove dust accumulation, using a fan in conjunction with the air conditioner to create a cooler sensation without lowering the actual temperature, drawing curtains to block direct sunlight, and employing the dehumidification mode for no longer than two hours at a time, which can lower the perceived temperature by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius.[1] Additionally, opening windows for 10 to 15 minutes every 2 to 3 hours helps maintain fresh air circulation while cautioning elderly users to guard against heat-related illness.[1]