Air conditioning
What a good temperature for air conditioning is will depend on the season you’re in, how hot or cold your body temperature generally runs to, and whether you’re focusing more on your comfort levels or keeping costs down. Setting your air conditioner at the right temperature can have a positive impact, not just on the performance and economy of your system, but also your health.
Even within the season, there is a range of ideal temperatures, which takes into account the varying body temperatures and needs of different people.
For those looking to achieve a comfortable temperature in their home during a long hot Australian summer, we recommend setting your air conditioner to between 22 °C and 24 °C, depending on how much of an issue budget is.
The cooler you set your temperature, the harder your air conditioning unit will have to work. Every extra degree is estimated to add 5–10% to your energy consumption, which means more energy usage, and higher bills.
If you’re looking to save energy, while maintaining a cooler home, we suggest between 25 °C and 27 °C in the summer. Although this won’t provide the crisp cool that the truly hot blooded might crave, it will keep your home cool without breaking the bank.
In the winter, a good temperature for air conditioning on a reverse cycle heating should be between 18 °C and 20 °C. The cooler your air conditioner, the lower your bill will be, so it depends how many jumpers and blankets you want to rug up in. Seriously, a temperature of between 18 °C and 20 °C should warm your house up, without sending your bill soaring.
The temperature of your bedroom can make or break your sleep quality. As your body’s temperature naturally drops when you’re sleeping (due to the reduced physical activity), a cooler room makes it easy for you to stay asleep.
While the precise temperature for a good night’s sleep may vary from person-to-person, 16 °C to 20 °C is widely recognised as the best air con temp for sleeping. Regulating your room at that temperature during the night will increase your restful sleep, which will have a positive impact on your health.
Setting your air conditioner at the right temperature matters a great deal, not just to your bills, but also to the system itself.
The harder your system has to work – by warm temperature settings in winter and cool temperature settings in summer – the more frequently it may need servicing or repairs. Over time, it’s also likely to grow less energy efficient, and its performance might suffer.
As it grows less efficient, the performance of your air conditioner overall could suffer, with it becoming louder or starting to heat your home unevenly. The more energy it consumes, the sooner its parts might need replacing, and it may need cleaning or servicing more regularly.
From your air conditioning system to your own system, setting your air conditioner at the wrong temperature can contribute to more sleepless nights, which weaken your immune system, and leave you less able to take on the day. Overly air conditioned homes can also contribute to upper respiratory issues, like runny noses and dry throat.
Do you want to know how to set your air conditioner temperature for the right level of cooling or heating, or are you struggling to manage your system? Mouritz has been in the business for over 45 years. We handle repairs and services for most brands and models, across Perth. If you’d like to know more, contact us today.
Matt Mouritz · Director
Matt is a director at Mouritz, a Perth based air conditioning and solar specialist. He shares straightforward advice on choosing, running and looking after cooling, heating and solar systems, with a focus on what actually works for Perth homes and our local climate. When he is not writing, he is helping customers find the right setup for their home and budget.
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Air conditioning & solar advice
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