5 Common Aircon Modes and When to Use Them

5 Common Aircon Modes and When to Use Them

5 Common Aircon Modes and When to Use Them

Have you ever looked at your air conditioner's remote control and wondered what all the different symbols mean? 

Beyond just simple cooling, each aircon mode offers a unique way to control your environment. As such, understanding these settings is key to maximising your comfort and energy efficiency, especially in Singapore’s tropical climate. Let's decode them.

What Each Aircon Mode Means

1. Cool Mode: The Standard for Beating the Heat

As the most commonly used of all aircon modes, Cool Mode actively lowers the room's temperature to your desired setting. 

Denoted by the snowflake aircon symbol, this mode engages the compressor and fan to absorb heat from indoor air and release it outside. At the same time, the system circulates air over a cold coil to distribute chilled air throughout the room. 

While this mode usually results in the highest energy consumption, especially when set at lower temperatures, it provides the most powerful cooling function.

When to use Cool Mode:

  • On hot and humid days
  • During peak afternoon temperatures
  • When quick room cooling is required

2. Dry Mode: Tackling Singapore's Humidity

Perfect for tackling excess moisture in the air, Dry Mode is designed to control indoor humidity levels. Indicated by the water droplet aircon symbol, this setting runs the compressor and fan at a lower speed. 

As air passes over the cold coil, water vapour condenses and is drained away, resulting in lower air moisture levels and a less muggy environment. This helps to make your room feel more comfortable.

When to use Dry Mode:

  • Humid evenings (when it’s not excessively hot)
  • Rainy seasons
  • To prevent mould or mildew from forming
  • For energy-efficient humidity control

3. Fan Mode: For Air Circulation

Identified by the fan blade symbol on your aircon remote control, Fan Mode simply circulates air that’s already in your room without cooling it. 

In this mode, the indoor fan operates on its own without engaging the energy-intensive outdoor compressor or refrigerant. This provides gentle air movement similar to a standalone fan, making it an excellent energy-saving aircon setting when active cooling isn’t needed. 

When to use Fan Mode:

  • Mild days that just need a little air movement without active cooling
  • To improve ventilation
  • To ensure even air distribution that complements cooling 

4. Quiet Mode: Undisturbed Comfort

The operational noise from an aircon can be disruptive, especially when you are trying to sleep or work. Quiet Mode is designed to minimise this by significantly reducing the sound output from the unit. 

This aircon setting lowers the fan speed and compressor intensity, creating a peaceful environment for undisturbed comfort. Look for a crescent moon or sleeping figure aircon symbol to select this mode. Alternatively, some models use the word ‘Silent’. 

Do note that you may experience slightly reduced cooling power in this mode, so you might need to set the temperature a degree lower.

When to use Quiet Mode:

  • At night, for undisturbed sleep in bedrooms
  • For a peaceful work environment in study rooms or home offices

5. Eco-friendly Mode (Eco Mode): Smart Energy Savings

For the environmentally-conscious, Eco Mode is a smart feature that modifies operations to optimise energy efficiency. 

Typically activated by the leaf aircon symbol on your remote control, this mode intelligently adjusts the temperature and fan speed to reduce power usage. For example, it might gradually increase the set temperature by a degree or two overnight, saving energy while maintaining a comfortable environment. 

Nevertheless, actual savings still depend on your specific aircon unit and usage habits.

When to use Eco Mode:

  • During long periods of continuous use
  • During overnight operation
  • To lower electricity bills 

Maximise Your Aircon's Potential with 81 Aircon


Understanding your aircon’s various modes is key to achieving personalised comfort and greater energy savings. 

But to get the most from these features, your unit must be in top condition. As such, our team of aircon specialists at 81 Aircon is ready to provide expert support. From providing routine aircon maintenance and aircon servicing to offering professional advice on optimal usage, we cover all your needs. 

Contact us for a cooler and more comfortable home today!

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