Air Conditioner Symbols: A Comprehensive Guide

Have you ever felt confused by the settings on your air conditioner remote control?
You are not the only one.

Controlling an AC unit used to be simple, with just a few straightforward symbols to control the basic functions. However, now it has become more complex than it used to be.

It can be difficult to understand your air conditioner settings with the advanced technology being used by top brands.

When you buy and set up your AC unit, you’ll receive a remote control with various symbols, numbers, and graphs. It can feel confusing and overwhelming despite thinking it would be straightforward.

To fully benefit from your air conditioner, you must understand its features and how it improves the interior environment.

If the air conditioner installation specialist hasn’t informed you, you might end up with an expensive AC unit that only works to a limited extent. According to Selectra, the upfront cost can vary between $600 and $5500+ depending on the size and efficiency of your aircon unit, and the installation cost is $60 to $100+ per hour. Also, the running cost depends on a variety of factors including the size of the unit, how long the air is running, and how cold the air is set to.

To better understand your AC unit, you should familiarise yourself with the symbols and their functions on your remote. This will help you improve your home life.

Typically, the aircon technician will provide you with this information. However, to refresh your memory, here we explain the meaning of all the air conditioner settings and symbols.

Most Common Air Conditioner Symbols

Power and Mode Symbols

Power air conditioning symbol

The most important button on virtually every air conditioner is the on/off button, represented by a nearly universal symbol.

To turn your air conditioner on and off, use the power button that often resembles a vertical bar within a circle or semi-circle. It is similar in appearance to the power buttons of other electrical appliances.

 Mode air conditioning symbol

The mode button enables you to choose from various operating modes. There are four standard modes in air conditioners: cool, heat, dry, fan, and auto modes.

Temperature Symbols

Cooling mode air conditioning symbol

One of the most commonly used symbols for the cooling mode is the snowflake on aircon remotes. Click this button if your aircon is not blowing cold air, since it is a popular way to cool down a room quickly.

heat mode air conditioning symbol

The sun symbol on the air conditioner represents the opposite of the snowflake. The sun symbol indicates that the unit is in heat mode and will release hot air.

dry mode air conditioning symbol

The symbol for dry mode in air conditioners can be confusing because it resembles a droplet, commonly associated with humidity instead of dryness. However, this symbol is widely recognised as representing the dehumidification mode.

fan mode air conditioning symbol

A windmill symbolises the air conditioner fan mode. This mode operates like a fan that circulates the air without producing cool or hot temperatures.

automatic mode air conditioning symbol

Typically, the arrows indicate the automatic mode where the system sets the temperature and fan speed automatically.

Airflow Symbols

vertical air swing ac symbol

Controlling the direction of airflow is important for regulating the temperature of a room. You will find that most modern air conditioners can adjust the air direction. The symbol for “vertical air swing” indicates that the air is blowing vertically.

horizontal air swing aircon symbol

To make the fan blow air horizontally in the room, press the Horizontal Air Swing Symbol.

Timer and Sleep Symbols

timer on symbol

Use the On Timer function of your air conditioner to schedule it to turn on at a specific time during a 24-hour period. Set the timer to turn on your air conditioner so that your home is cool and comfortable when you arrive.

off timer ac symbol

The Off Timer function is designed to be used while the air conditioner is running. It allows you to set a specific time, within a 24-hour period, for the air conditioner to turn off.

sleep timer symbol

You can use the Sleep Timer to automatically switch off your unit after a set amount of time between 30 and 240 minutes. It’s perfect for ensuring your air conditioner turns off after you fall asleep, which can help reduce running costs.

Additional Symbols and Features

temperature control air conditioning symbols

Every type of air conditioning system is equipped with two buttons that are typically located adjacent to each other on the remote. These buttons feature symbols that are primarily used for adjusting the room’s temperature which is visible on the screen of the remote control. To raise the temperature, one needs to press the plus button, while in hot summers, the minus button can be pressed to make the room cooler.

Air Conditioner Symbols on Famous Brands

Generally, air conditioner symbols are the same for each brand. However, there are certain times when brands stray away from the norm and create their own symbols. For example, when they introduce new innovative features. Here we will provide you with an overview of symbols used by the best air conditioning brands.

Mitsubishi Air Conditioner Symbols

Understanding Mitsubishi air conditioning symbols is essential for maximising the efficiency and functionality of your unit; let’s delve into what each symbol means and how to use them effectively.

Panasonic Air Conditioner Symbols

The following are the most commonly used Panasonic air conditioner remote control symbols with a wall-mounted control panel. Please note that other models with touchscreen interfaces may have slightly different symbols.

Panasonic Split System Symbols

➜ Find more info about Panasonic Air Conditioning

Panasonic Ducted System Symbols

LG Air Conditioner Symbols

These LG air con symbols are frequently used on their air conditioning systems that have a wall-mounted control panel. It’s worth noting that some symbols may vary slightly on different models.

➜ Find more info about LG Air Conditioning

Fujitsu Air Conditioner Symbols

These Fujitsu air conditioning symbols are often used on their systems. It’s important to note that some models may have slightly different symbols.

➜ Find more info about Fujitsu Air Conditioning

Samsung Air Conditioner Symbols

Samsung air conditioner manual illustrated their often-used symbols below. It’s worth noting that there may be slight variations in symbols between different models.

➜ Find more info about Samsung Air Conditioning

Aircon Settings That Help You Save Energy

Did you know that adjusting the temperature of your air conditioner by just one degree can impact your energy consumption by up to 10%? Small changes in your air conditioner settings can greatly impact your energy usage and ultimately save you money.

Likely, your air conditioning is currently set to 22 degrees in the summer. Adjusting the temperature to 25 degrees can decrease your daily air conditioning energy usage by over 20%. This will help reduce your electricity bill without sacrificing your comfort in the air conditioning.

If you want to lower your energy bill, you should consider getting a thermostat with a built-in timer. This way, you can program it to work during certain hours for the most efficient energy usage. It’s a good idea to have a system that will do this automatically so you don’t have to worry about it.

Also, the air conditioning industry has introduced a new energy-saving mode. This mode can help reduce power consumption by turning off the circulation and exhaust fans when the compressor is unused. When the compressor is needed for cooling, the air conditioner will cycle both fans on and off accordingly.

What is HVAC?

HVAC means and stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. It is a system designed to control indoor or enclosed spaces’ temperature, humidity, and air quality. HVAC systems are commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings to provide thermal comfort and maintain good indoor air quality.

They use mechanical systems such as fans, air filters, heating and cooling equipment, ducts, and controls to regulate the temperature inside a building. HVAC systems can also maintain certain humidity levels and provide fresh air into the space. Depending on the size of the building, HVAC systems may require specialised design considerations such as zones or multiple units to maintain an optimal and comfortable indoor environment.

Properly designed, installed, and maintained HVAC systems provide thermal comfort, air quality control, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness while providing healthier environments for occupants. HVAC systems can also provide ventilation and cooling to areas where natural ventilation is impossible.

One application of HVAC is the use of Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning. Reverse cycle air conditioning is a system that can both heat and cool your home by reversing the refrigeration cycle. It’s efficient, adaptable, and flexible, making it a great solution for year-round temperature control.

Control Your Air Conditioner Through Your Phone

Smart AC units are beneficial in making daily life more manageable, particularly for maintaining your home’s temperature. Controlling the AC through your mobile device allows you to manage the operating modes, save energy, and more. In addition, you can adjust the settings remotely to ensure a comfortable temperature when you return home.

Smart air conditioners are becoming more common, especially in homes that want to improve their HVAC systems. Today’s top air conditioners can connect to smart controls via a Wi-Fi network, making them easier to use. Follow these steps to configure your smart air conditioner:

Step 1: Please follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to install the new system properly.

Step 2: Check which remote control apps are compatible with your air conditioner. It’s important to note that certain models may only work with specific apps, and some brands may have their own exclusive apps.

Step 3: To control fan speeds, temperature, and integrity checks, navigate to the home screen of the app.

Step 4: To ensure your AC is updated with the latest firmware, please use the app to check for critical software updates.

Step 5: Take some time to explore the app’s built-in features. Once you figure out how to set a timer on your air conditioner, use the app to create a schedule that cools the unit to different temperatures depending on whether you are at home, asleep, or away. Additionally, check if your A/C is compatible with Alexa for a more seamless experience.

Apps You Can Try For Your Smart Air Conditioner:

  • AirTouch
  • Tado Smart Air Conditioner App
  • ASmart Remote IR App
  • Cielo Home – Smart AC App
  • Ambi Climate

When in Doubt – Check Your Aircon Manual

To use your unit efficiently, knowing the air conditioner remote control symbols is important. We’ve provided a list of symbols and their meanings to help you understand the various functions of your air-con.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to figure out the aircon icons’ meaning, even after researching. In some cases, the necessary details of the symbols may not be explained by the air conditioning installer.

Fear not!

A user manual will be included with every unit you purchase, explaining all necessary information about your unit. Additionally, for further details, you can visit the manufacturer’s website.

If you want to purchase the newest air conditioning systems with the latest innovative settings, you can turn to Global Cool Air. We can on the most suitable air conditioning solution for your unique needs from the brand of your choice. We also guarantee a seamless and hassle-free installation in your home or office.

Contact us today.