What Temperature to Set Air Conditioner in Summer and Winter

Many clients frequently ask what temperature the aircon should be set at. It’s common to experience discomfort when the room is too hot or cold.

Setting the right temperature for air conditioning is crucial for optimal comfort and efficiency. Improving the quality of life can be notable when it is done correctly.

If you are having difficulty locating the ideal aircon temperature for yourself, this post will assist you in discovering it. Additionally, this will guide you in improving your energy efficiency without compromising comfort.

This post will discuss ways to achieve the best performance and what temperature to set air conditioner in summer and winter.

Factors to Consider When Setting Air Conditioner Temperature

Simply turning the air conditioner’s temperature to the usual 18 to 21 degrees Celsius might not be the ideal aircon temperature for your home. There are several other things that you need to consider before deciding what temperature setting is best for the summer or winter.

Comfort

Your preferred temperature may differ between your home and workplace. Your set temperature is the highest temperature you find comfortable. Generally, this temperature is around 24℃ for most people.

How we perceive ambient temperature varies from person to person and can even be influenced by body fat percentage and muscle mass. For example, people with muscle mass generally produce more internal body heat, meaning they may feel warmer than those with less muscle mass.

Energy Efficiency

Determining the ideal temperature for your home helps cool it down and keeps your electricity bills reasonable. Finding the right temperature for your space can also lower your costs over time. It benefits you, your wallet, and the environment, a triple-win situation.

Raising the temperature of your air conditioner can increase your energy efficiency. Each degree of temperature increase can save approximately 10% on your energy consumption, making it one of the best ways to conserve energy while using your air conditioner.

Season

Summer is a great time to go outside, enjoy the sun, and get some vitamin D. However, being at home during this time differs from being outdoors.

Staying cool indoors during the hot summer can be challenging if your home lacks proper ventilation. However, you can rely on an air conditioner to help maintain cool temperatures even during extreme heat to get the ideal air conditioning temperature.

To ensure year-round comfort, it’s important to think about the most suitable temperature settings for your AC unit when heating during the winter.

Optimal Temperature Setting for the Air Conditioner in Summer

In Australia, it is recommended to set your air conditioner temperature to around 23℃ to 24℃ during summer, depending on your location. However, if you want to save more energy, you can set it between 25℃ and 26℃.

The recommended temperature for summer in Australia will vary due to the diverse climate. Therefore, balancing energy efficiency with comfort is essential when determining these recommendations.

What temperature to set air conditioner in summer varies from region to region.

Optimal Temperature Setting for the Air Conditioner in Winter

To achieve optimal comfort and energy efficiency when using reverse-cycle air conditioning for heating during winter in Australia, it’s recommended to set the temperature between 18 to 20 degrees Celsius.

Set your air conditioner within the recommended range to balance comfort and energy efficiency. Going beyond this range will raise energy costs by 10% per degree. Still, you can adjust a degree or two outside the range if necessary to feel more comfortable.

It is essential to consider that various factors, such as the home’s insulation or the region’s ambient temperature, can influence the ideal temperature during winter.

In Australia, certain areas experience very cold winters. Therefore, setting the air conditioner between 21 to 22 degrees Celsius may be necessary to stay comfortable.

What temperature to set air conditioner in winter varies from region to region.

Reason for Setting My AC to an Ideal Temperature

If you set a higher temperature on your AC, it will have to work harder to reach it. This means it will consume more energy and increase your energy bill as it has to pump twice its usual workload.

Raising the temperature on your AC leads to using more energy. So, to avoid overworking your AC and increasing your electric bill, setting air conditioner to ideal room temperature is a must. This way, your AC can work efficiently without exerting too much effort.

Most Energy-Efficient Temperature to Set the Air Conditioner

To save energy while using an air conditioner in Australia, it is best to set the temperature around 23 to 25 degrees in summer or 17 to 18 degrees in winter. However, the most comfortable and energy-efficient temperature may vary depending on where you live. Increasing the temperature by one degree in summer (or decreasing it by one degree in winter) can save up to 10% in operating costs.

The best ac temperature for energy saving varies based on the season and climate of your region. For example, if you reside in an extremely hot location, your summer temperature setting will differ from a cooler region further up north.

We have compiled a list of the recommended temperatures for energy-efficient air conditioning in each state/territory and region during the summer and winter seasons. This can help you save costs on running your air conditioning.

North Queensland, North Western Australia, Northern Territory (subtropical climate)

Summer – The ideal energy-saving temperature is 25 degrees Celsius. Raising the temperature from 22 to 25 degrees can lower your daily cooling costs by at least 20%.
Winter – To save on energy costs in this region, it’s recommended to set the thermostat to 18 degrees Celsius. This will help prevent the air conditioner from overworking.

South Australia (Mediterranean climate)

Summer – Setting the thermostat between 24 and 25 degrees Celsius is recommended to achieve energy efficiency without sacrificing comfort.
Winter – It is recommended to set your air conditioner to reverse cycle heating mode and maintain a temperature of 19 to 20 degrees Celsius during winter, as there is some humidity in the air.

Central Australia (arid climate)

Summer – It would be best to keep the temperature between 21 to 23 degrees Celsius in this region. The summer season here can be tough, and there is often a lot of atmospheric dust. To keep the air conditioner working efficiently, don’t forget to clean its filters regularly.
Winter – Because of the extremely cold and dry winter conditions, a temperature of 17 degrees Celsius is suitable here.

Tasmania (mild temperate climate)

Summer – For optimal results, set the thermostat to 28 degrees Celsius. Remember that Tasmania’s weather conditions can change unexpectedly, and temperatures may decrease rapidly. Adjusting the thermostat to a colder setting may be necessary in such cases.
Winter – Setting the thermostat at 21 degrees Celsius would be economical for this season. However, please adjust the temperature according to the weather differences between the coastal and interior areas.

Southern Victoria (moderate oceanic climate)

Summer – Maintaining a temperature of 24 degrees Celsius is suitable for summers and occasional heat waves. While it may be tempting to lower the temperature during heat waves, this can reduce the air conditioner’s energy efficiency.
Winter – It is recommended to set the thermostat to 20 degrees Celsius. The winters in this region do not require any additional measures for stability.

South East New South Wales, North East Victoria, and Australian Capital Territory (oceanic climate)

Summer – The recommended temperature is usually between 26 and 27 degrees Celsius. However, during cold spells, it may be necessary to adjust the temperature to the settings appropriate for winter.
Winter – Maintaining a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius can provide a comfortable indoor environment without consuming excessive energy. As the winter season in this region remains consistent, frequent adjustment of temperature settings is unnecessary.

South Western area of Western Australia (Mediterranean climate)

Summer – The recommended temperature range is 23-24 degrees Celsius, but adjustments may be necessary during a cold snap.
Winter – It is recommended to set the thermostat to 18 degrees Celsius for efficient heating.

Remember that there are no hard and fast rules and only serve as general guides.

Best Temperature for Sleeping

The best ac temperature for sleeping varies according to personal preferences, but generally, it is suggested to be around 18.3 degrees Celsius. However, it is not unusual for individuals to prefer temperatures between 15.6 to 19.4 degrees Celsius.

A good night’s sleep is crucial for our health and well-being, and one of the main factors that affect it is the temperature of the room we sleep in. Sleeping in a too-cold space can be uncomfortable, as you must cuddle up in a blanket to stay warm. Meanwhile, a room that is too hot can cause excessive sweating, making you need to dry yourself off frequently.

A room at the right temperature is important for quality sleep because it relates to your body’s natural clock or Circadian Rhythm. This clock follows a 24-hour cycle and relies on proper temperature regulation to help with tasks like cell repair and protein production.

Tips for Finding the Ideal Temperature

We previously discussed that setting your temperature too high will result in higher energy bills, but putting it too low may lead to discomfort and inadequate warmth.

Fortunately, you can do a few things to get the ideal room temperature in winter and summer without breaking the bank.

Enclose Your Space

Ensure your home is adequately sealed before adjusting the temperature to achieve the perfect temperature. Inadequately sealed areas may permit cold and warm air to flow out, preventing you from reaching the desired temperature.

Inspecting doors and windows for drafts is recommended to prevent leaks. Additionally, check your air conditioning unit for any broken or missing seals, as these are common areas where leaks occur.

If you have drafts, try using caulk to fill them up. This can help prevent energy loss through the insulation. Additionally, remember to close your windows.

Keep Up With Routine Maintenance

Don’t forget to maintain your air conditioner for maximum efficiency. Schedule a regular service with a certified technician.

They can enhance energy efficiency and effectiveness by cleaning or replacing dirty filters and inspecting parts for damage or wear that might lead to overheating.

Having an efficient air conditioning unit will help you save money each month.

Is Your Air Conditioner Not Cooling or Heating Your Space Effectively?

If routine maintenance is not done, it can cause inefficient energy consumption and other issues such as the a/c not reaching the set temperature.

To improve the efficiency of your air conditioning cooling, the first step is to address any maintenance or repair issues. Otherwise, you’ll spend more money and won’t be able to cool your space even if you set the temperature very low.

Proper air conditioning maintenance is crucial for optimal performance during the summer months. In addition, using it correctly is necessary to ensure it functions properly.
Here is some tip to improve your air conditioner’s performance in summer:

Utilise Timer

To avoid unnecessary expense and strain on your air conditioner, it is advisable to set it to start running only when someone is home, such as in the evenings or on weekends. Running it when the house is empty will not be beneficial.

Clean Out Filters

To ensure optimal air conditioner performance, cleaning its air filters every two weeks is important. First, turn off the air conditioner and remove the filter. Then, clean it with soap and water or a vacuum cleaner if there is not too much dust.

Turn on Dehumidifier Mode

During summer, high humidity often causes discomfort. To alleviate this, you can activate the dehumidifier or dry mode on your air conditioner to lower humidity levels and temperatures.

Enjoy The Perfect Temperature with Global Cool Air’s Regular Maintenance

To ensure your air conditioner improves your quality of life, knowing how to set the perfect temperature and ensure your unit is regularly serviced is essential.

Global Cool Air provides a maintenance program for all systems. Our trained technicians can help you efficiently manage your air conditioner to maintain a cool environment while keeping costs low.