How to set the ideal AC Temperature

In Australia, air conditioning is an essential part of daily life.  Finding the ideal temperature can make all the difference for comfort and efficiency.  This has become especially true in the last few years, as record-breaking heat waves have swept the country.

With energy prices on the rise, you need to find the balance between:

1. Keeping cool with the ideal AC temperature.
2. Optimising your electricity use with an energy-efficient unit.
3. Avoiding an expensive bill at the end of the month.

What is the Ideal AC Temperature for all Seasons? 

Did you know AC doesn’t have to be used at all times to be effective?
As long as you follow best practices like:

• Shutting your windows and blinds.
• Optimising the use of ceiling fans.
• Closing doors when you leave a room.

You can set your AC at the perfect temperature for just a few hours and enjoy a full day of respite from the burning heat.

What is the Perfect AC Temperature for Summer Time?

While you might think the ideal AC temperature for summer would be as low as possible… 

This could actually be counterproductive.  Not only is it going to cost you a lot, but it’s going to make the outside world feel even hotter and more unbearable.  If you allow yourself to acclimate to 20°C while at home, it’ll be an insufferable jump to the high 30s when you have to step outside.  Instead, aim for 25°C.

What is the Perfect AC Temperature for Winter Time?

This same theory applies to the ideal AC temperature for winter.  You don’t want to get too warm and cosy if you have a dual-purpose unit that can heat your room.  Some parts of Australia get very chilly at night, and going from hot to cold very suddenly will shock your system.

Therefore, aim for 20°C.

What is the Best AC Temperature to Set at Night and Day?

However, not just summer and winter have varying ideal AC temperatures. 

Different times of the day might require more or less AC usage.

What is the Perfect AC Temperature for Daytime?

If you’re going to be at home during the day, you’ll find that a good AC temperature is around 22°C.  This should be perfect for the warm (but not boiling days) that Australia often has throughout Spring and Autumn.

What is the Perfect AC Temperature for Night-time?

On the other hand, you likely want to be a little cooler at night. You will have a bed sheet over you to avoid the mosquitos, and you will probably sleep better in cooler climates.  An ideal AC temperature at night, then, would be 18°C.  Also don’t forget to set night quiet mode as it will help to avoid issues relating to NSW air conditioner noise regulations.

Best AC Temperature – Rules and Conditions

As with all general rules of thumb, there will be some variation. Summers in Sydney, for example, aren’t always insufferably hot. 

Before setting your temperature, ask yourself:

• What’s the weather like outside?
• Is my house fairly well insulated from the climate outside?
• What’s my budget for electricity?
• When’s the best time to run my AC?  Could this wait?
• Do I have an energy-efficient unit?

Then, you’ll be to make a cost-efficient decision that ensures you get the most value from your AC. 

Do you need a new AC unit that consumes less energy during use? 

Check out our Air Conditioning Services at Peninsula Air Conditioning!  Contact us and speak with a member of our team to learn more today.

Further Reading

Daikin VRV Systems

Choosing a Multi-Split System Air Conditioner

What is Split System Air Conditioning?