Air Conditioning Remote Symbols and Modes Explained

Air conditioning remotes are full of small symbols, and the mode you choose makes a big difference to comfort and running costs. Most makes use similar symbols, so this guide covers the common ones. Your user manual shows the exact symbols for your model.

The Main Mode Symbols

• Snowflake: Cool. Cools the room to the temperature you set, and removes some moisture as it does.

• Sun: Heat. Heats the room efficiently by moving heat in from outside.

• Water droplet: Dry. Concentrates on removing moisture, with gentle cooling. Useful on warm, humid days.

• Fan: Fan only. Moves air around the room without cooling or heating, and uses very little electricity.

• A or circular arrows: Auto. The system chooses heating or cooling, and the fan speed, to reach the temperature you set.

Other Common Symbols

• Moon or bed: Sleep. When cooling, gradually raises the temperature by a degree or two through the night and quietens the fan.

• Clock: Timer. Switches the system on or off at a set time.

• Arrows or wavy lines: Swing. Moves the louvres up and down, or side to side, to spread the air.

• Bars: Fan speed. Sets the fan from low to high, or lets the unit choose on auto.

• Leaf or ECO: Economy. An energy-saving setting. What it does varies between makes, so check your manual.

• Powerful or Turbo. Runs at full output for a short time to cool or heat the room quickly.

• Quiet. Lowers the fan speed to reduce noise.

Best Temperature for Air Conditioning

There is no single right number, but these settings suit most people:

• Cooling: start at around 24 to 25°C and adjust a degree at a time.

• Bedrooms: The Sleep Charity suggests a bedroom temperature of 16 to 18°C for sleep. Sleep mode helps by adjusting the temperature gradually through the night.

• Heating: around 18 to 21°C suits most rooms.

Setting a very low temperature rarely cools the room much faster. The system just keeps going past the point you wanted and uses more electricity. Every degree warmer in cooling mode, or cooler in heating mode, reduces how hard the system works.

Dry Mode or a Dehumidifier?

Dry mode removes moisture while cooling the room gently, so it suits warm, sticky days. It is not designed to dry out damp walls or laundry in winter, when a dehumidifier is the better tool. Normal cooling mode also removes moisture from the air.

Tips to Save Energy

• Close the windows and doors in the room you are cooling.

• Use the timer or app so the system runs when you need it.

• Keep curtains or blinds closed on sunny windows. See how to cool down a room.

• Clean the filters regularly. See how to clean your air conditioner.

• Use fan or dry mode on mild days.

Efficiency ratings also affect running costs: see SEER and SCOP explained. To control your system from your phone, see smart air conditioning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there a delay before warm air comes out in heat mode?

Most systems wait until the indoor coil is warm before the fan starts, so they do not blow cold air at you. In cold weather the fan also pauses for a few minutes during defrost. Both are normal.

Can I use air conditioning in winter?

Yes, in heat mode. Modern systems keep heating well in cold weather. Read more about air conditioning as a form of heating.

My system is not doing what the remote says. What should I check?

Start with the batteries, the mode and the timer. Our guide on what to do if your air conditioner is not working takes you through the checks.

Call 01772 288651 or use the form below to book a free survey. We will measure the room, recommend the right system and give you a clear written quote.

Last updated: November 2026.