The answer is it depends.
Central AC versus AC in each or several rooms, at what temperature are you setting as a comfort temp. What is the starting temp of the space, do you wish to run the AC for the whole time you occupy the space to keep it cool or do you want the space to stay cooler longer when the AC is turned off?
The structure of the electric bill is a factor here as over XXX kwh, the entire monthly consumption is charged at a higher rate, as opposed to a staggered billing amount as in other countries. How efficient your AC is plays an important part in how much electricity it uses. Eg. Inverter type or standard full tilt compressor.
There is a definitive answer for your question. That answer is dependant on many variables that you have not quantified.
I assume we are talking about usage here in the DR. I have yet to see a house or Apt with a duct system, so central AC is usually a nonstarter here. The first step is to install the most efficient AC units you can find and afford. 22 SEER inverter style as a minimum. All other considerations follow from here.
Energy efficiency is not necessarily the same as cost effectiveness.
Thanks for your reply, but I wasn't asking for a definitive answer. All I asked was for people to post if they leave their ACs on (spilt, central or window) full time or not. Also what settings? If you don't then does it affect your place.
So if you give and answer to these question I would appreciate it, but don't over complicate things
1) Do you run your AC all day and night
2) Where do you set the temperature ( you can answer in Celsius or Fahrenheit)
3)What are your monthly electric bills
4) If you don't run your AC continuously, does it affect your walls?
BTW, I've seen apartments and houses with central AC, not many but I've seen a few/