Yes, an air conditioner will continue to consume electricity if you do not switch off the starter or turn off the unit completely. The starter, also known as the thermostat or the power button, is responsible for initiating the cooling process and controlling the operation of the air conditioner.
When the air conditioner is turned on, it uses electricity to power the compressor, fans, and other components that cool and circulate the air. The compressor is the primary electricity-consuming component, as it compresses the refrigerant to remove heat from the indoor air.
Even if you set the temperature to a higher value or put the air conditioner in a low fan speed mode, it will still consume electricity as long as it remains running. To save electricity, it's essential to turn off the air conditioner using the starter or power button when you don't need cooling or when leaving the room for an extended period. Additionally, some air conditioners have energy-saving modes or timers that can help reduce electricity consumption when the cooling load is lower.