Yes, a blow dryer set to the "cold" or "cool" setting typically uses less electricity compared to using it on the "hot" or "warm" settings. The reason for this is that the "cold" setting does not require the blow dryer to generate heat, which is more energy-intensive.
When you use the blow dryer on the "hot" or "warm" settings, it activates the heating element inside the dryer. This element consumes additional electricity to heat the air before it is blown out of the nozzle. In contrast, the "cold" setting simply blows room-temperature or slightly cooled air without the need for heating.
However, it's important to note that the actual energy savings between using the "hot" and "cold" settings may vary depending on the specific make and model of the blow dryer. Energy-efficient blow dryers are designed to minimize energy consumption even on the "hot" settings, so if energy efficiency is a concern, it's advisable to choose a blow dryer with an energy-efficient label or rating.
Additionally, keep in mind that the primary energy consumption of a blow dryer comes from the duration of usage rather than the temperature setting. Minimizing the amount of time you use the blow dryer can have a more significant impact on energy savings than solely relying on the "cold" setting.