No, using a window air conditioner on fan mode does not consume the same amount of electricity as running it in cooling mode. In fact, running an air conditioner in cooling mode typically requires significantly more energy compared to using the fan mode alone.
When an air conditioner is set to cooling mode, it operates by compressing refrigerant and using a condenser coil to release heat from the indoor environment to the outside. This process requires the air conditioner to run its compressor and other components, which consume electricity to provide the cooling effect.
On the other hand, when an air conditioner is set to fan mode, it only circulates the air in the room without cooling it. In this mode, the compressor and other energy-intensive components are not activated. As a result, the energy consumption of the air conditioner in fan mode is significantly lower than when it is operating in cooling mode.
It's worth noting that using the fan mode alone may not provide the same level of cooling as the cooling mode. The fan mode simply circulates the existing air, providing some air movement and potential comfort through evaporation of sweat from the skin. However, it does not actively cool or dehumidify the air.
If energy efficiency is a concern and cooling is not necessary, using the fan mode or even a standalone fan can be a more energy-efficient option to circulate air and provide a cooling sensation without the added energy consumption of the cooling mode in an air conditioner.