HVAC technician José María Rey said constantly adjusting air conditioning remotes strains equipment and increases energy bills, advising users to set a stable temperature.
Speaking on episode 67 of the Sector Oficios Podcast, Rey explained that people do not know how to use air conditioning properly. Rey, an installation professional with 19 years of trade experience, said fear of high electricity bills leads many homeowners to treat remote controls like nervous switches, turning units on only after a house overheats, setting extremely low target temperatures, and switching them off at the first cold draft.
That repeated cycle confuses two distinct tasks: lowering the temperature by many degrees at once and maintaining an already cool room. The compressor demands more power during startup, but modern units equipped with inverter technology can reduce power output as they approach the chosen setting rather than executing repeated full restarts. Rey noted that thermostat settings establish a reasonable target, while insulation, room orientation, room size, and filter cleanliness determine the effort required to maintain it.
Rey also highlighted dry mode, which is designed to remove humidity when mugginess weighs more than temperature degrees. However, Rey cautioned against treating continuous operation as a dogma, noting that keeping equipment running at a fixed temperature during long absences wastes energy without adding comfort. For short periods with occupants inside, sudden adjustments force units to undergo fresh temperature recoveries, while the amount of heat entering the home alters the outcome completely.
Ducted Systems and Equipment Restrictions
When comparing climate control systems, Rey proposed ducted air conditioning as an option for property owners seeking both heating and cooling without elevating their initial investment too much. A single network distributes air across multiple rooms while keeping units concealed, though the system requires sufficient ceiling space for ducts and an accurate calculation of airflows. Ducted setups fit less comfortably in renovations lacking false ceilings or in homes where individual rooms require very different operating schedules.
Air conditioning mechanic and expert Juan José Ebenezer also pointed out that the biggest operating mistake fails to save money. Nighttime annoyances and fears over high power consumption remain among the main reasons many households restrict their use of air conditioning equipment.
Aerothermal Underfloor Heating and Maintenance
For larger budgets, Rey cited underfloor heating and cooling powered by aerothermal energy. The installation circulates low temperature water beneath the pavement and spreads thermal exchange across a wide surface area. Because initial financial outlay and construction demands are significantly higher, Rey said aerothermal underfloor systems usually make more sense when building a home or executing a complete renovation rather than seeking an immediate cooling solution.
Rey added that installing a connected thermostat can help organize operating schedules, but it cannot correct an improperly sized installation.
Before copying the temperature settings of another home, Rey advised users to review the instruction manual, clean filters, and verify that doors, windows, and blinds are not allowing heat to enter unchecked. Rey warned that sleeping with cold airflow blowing directly over a bed, selecting the minimum temperature on the remote control, or chaining shut-offs every few minutes only seek temporary relief. The true test lies in maintaining comfort without punishing the machine or paying to cool empty rooms.
The original article was authored by Esteban García Marcos and published on August 6, 2026.
