Cool, Heat, Dry, Fan, Auto, Eco and Sleep: choosing a mode
Remote-control labels describe different objectives. Before comparing energy use, establish what each function actually does on your model.
Main operating modes
Cool requests cooling; Heat requests heating where supported. Fan circulates air without requesting either. Dry aims to reduce humidity through a manufacturer-specific sequence; it is not outdoor ventilation and does not guarantee an exact humidity level. Auto may select operation using sensors and settings, with rules that differ between systems.
Settings alongside the mode
Fan speed changes air movement and perceived noise. Swing distributes airflow using the louvres; do not force them by hand. Eco generally prioritises moderated consumption and Sleep adapts night-time operation, but neither has universal parameters. Check timers too: a scheduled command may alter a setting you just selected.
Comparing two choices
For Dry versus Cool, consider whether you need heat removal or relief from dampness and consult the manual's limits. Compare Auto and Cool under similar conditions, not over a few minutes with different outdoor temperatures. Where several controllers share a system, identify which has priority before treating an unexpected change as a fault.
Choose the next step
Use the symptom page to understand the likely causes. If the cause is still unclear, book a diagnosis before approving a repair.