Depending on the climate zone, heating and/or cooling can account for 20 to 50 per cent of energy used in Australian homes. According to Ergon Energy, for every degree you decrease your air conditioner temperature, you could save up to ten per cent on your energy use. Making simple adjustments to your air conditioner temperature can help your family save a surprising amount of money. Here is our guide to the optimum air conditioner temperatures throughout Australia, and how to set AC temperature for cooling in Celsius as well as heating.
Why does air conditioner temperature matter?
Regardless of your personal preferences, a good temperature on an air conditioner may not necessarily be the optimal temperature in terms of:
- Energy efficiency: Generally, the cooler your home is in summer, and the hotter it is in winter, the higher your energy costs. But it’s not all bad news — there are ideal air conditioner cooling and heating temperatures for electricity savings (more on that below).
- Wear and tear: Demanding more from your air conditioner than is necessary will also unnecessarily add to your expensive investment’s wear and tear — including repairs, servicing and replacement bills.
- System performance: The temperature you set for your air conditioner can also impact its performance. If you set the temperature too high in heating mode or too low in cooling mode, your system may have to work harder to achieve and maintain the desired temperature. This can reduce efficiency, and lead to potentially higher air conditioner maintenance costs.
What is the optimum air conditioning temperature?
The answer is a little different depending on whether your system is cooling down the air or heating it up. This is because the emphasis is on getting your air conditioner to only work as hard as it needs to. Setting your air conditioner to its extreme is therefore something you should only do if the temperature outside is quite similar to that setting. For example, if it’s 32°C outside, setting your air conditioner to 30°C won’t ask it to do very much. But if it’s 5°C outside and you request 30°C, you’re telling your system to work as hard as it can.
The best temperature for air conditioning also depends on other factors, including the presence of humidity, your local climate, the season, and the size and insulation of the space you are wanting to be air-conditioned. As a general guide:
For cooling
Why is the ideal air con temp 24-26C? Based on the widely-accepted ‘comfort zone’ for most people, 24-26°C is considered neither oppressively hot nor uncomfortably chilly in just about any circumstance. But in terms of how to set AC temperature for cooling in celsius, it depends on the factors mentioned above.
For heating
In terms of what temperature to set an air conditioner in winter in Australia, 18-20°C is more than sufficient to stay comfortable and warm in the winter — even if you have to wear a jumper. But again, the best temperature for reverse cycle heating depends on a range of variables.
What is a good temperature for an air conditioner?
In terms of how to set AC temperature for cooling efficiently, the most efficient temperature for air conditioning in summer ultimately depends on the season and the climate where you live. The best temperature for air conditioning in summer varies depending on whether you’re at the scorching tip of our country, or its cooler southern regions. Despite our extremely diverse climates, most Australians set their air conditioners to 22 degrees in summer and 19 degrees in winter without accounting for their local climate.
Climate is the biggest factor in air conditioner efficiency, as it directly affects how hard your unit needs to work to keep you cool. Remember, climate is more than temperature; it is a combination of environmental factors including humidity, rainfall, daylight hours, and wind. If you’re in a high-humidity or rainy environment, then your air conditioner will have to work harder to regulate the temperature, so if you set your temperatures poorly then you can expect your bill to soar. Other factors like wind can increase the levels of atmospheric dust, which along with humidity, can clog your filters. To work out the most efficient temperature for your air conditioner, you need to understand the temperatures of the climate you live in.
South East Queensland and North New South Wales
This region has a sub-tropical climate.
Summer
For the ideal AC temperature to save electricity in summer, set your thermostat to 25°C. If you change your temperature from 22°C to 25°C, you could potentially decrease your daily air conditioning energy consumption by more than 20%.
Winter
In terms of what temperature to set your air conditioner in winter, in South East Queensland and northern New South Wales, it is recommended you set it to 18°C. Most homes in this climate will be around 18°C in the mornings and evenings, with temperature only spiking during the day. If you run your air conditioner at 18°C, it won’t need to work hard at all to maintain those comfortable morning temperatures.
North Queensland, North Western Australia, Northern Territory
These regions have a tropical climate.
Summer
In terms of how to set the AC temperature for cooling, the most efficient air conditioner temperature is 21 to 23°C in summer. The high humidity of Northern Australia can promote mould growth in air conditioners that are used infrequently. It’s important to use your air conditioner frequently to regulate internal humidity and keep your air conditioner running efficiently.
Winter
Set your winter heating to 17°C in winter. In the tropics, humidity can still be an issue in winter, so we would suggest frequent use for the same reasons as above.
Central Australia
This region has an arid climate.
Summer
In terms of what temperature to set your air conditioner in summer in Australia, the most efficient air conditioner temperature is 21 to 23°C in summer. Central Australian summers are particularly harsh, and there is often a lot of atmospheric dust. It’s important to make sure that your filters are regularly cleaned so that your air conditioner can perform efficiently.
Winter
Set your winter heating to 17°C in winter. Central Australia is an area of extremes, and winters can produce cold dry conditions. Your air conditioner will be able to maintain a temperature of 17°C without having to work too hard.
South Australia
This region has a Mediterranean climate.
Summer
In South Australia, the ideal air con temperature in this region is 24 to 25°C in summer.
Winter
Set your air conditioner’s reverse cycle heating to a pleasant 19 to 20°C in winter. This climate offers little humidity, and quite mild conditions during winter and summer. That means air conditioners can maintain this temperature comfortably.
Tasmania
This region has a mild temperate climate.
Summer
In summer, the best temperature for reverse cycle heating and cooling is 2°C. However, it’s important to work with the prevailing conditions, which can be variable in a Tasmanian summer. If temperatures drop significantly, we would recommend adopting winter settings for your air conditioner, as below.
Winter
In terms of what temperature to set your air conditioner in winter, in the Tasmanian winter, air conditioners perform best and most economically at 21°C. However, it’s important to recognise that Tasmanian conditions vary significantly between the coast and the interior, so you will need to exercise discretion if you’re living in sub-zero temperatures.
Southwestern area of Western Australia
This region has a Mediterranean climate.
Summer
In the south western area of Western Australia, air conditioners work best when they are set between 23 to 24°C. However, your settings might change depending on the weather conditions. If there is a cold snap, you may need to adjust your settings to winter conditions, for optimal efficiency.
Winter
In winter, the best temperature for reverse cycle heating is 18°C.
South East New South Wales, North East Victoria and Australian Capital Territory
This region has an oceanic climate.
Summer
What is a good temperature for air conditioning in these areas? Throughout this region, the best temperature for air conditioners during summer is between 26°C to 27°C. Being inland regions, these areas are subject to sudden cold snaps, in which case you should consider adjusting your settings to those recommended below. Optimising the efficiency of your system will require ongoing attention as the weather conditions change.
Winter
For a cosy winter, the ideal AC temperature is 20°C. Winter is stable in these areas, which means you will rarely need to adjust your settings over this period.
Southern Victoria
This region has a moderate oceanic climate.
Summer
For best results in summer, set your AC temp to 24°C. This temperature is ideal in standard summer conditions, as well as seasonal heat waves. Although it may be tempting to adjust it downwards when heat waves pass, doing so may compromise the efficiency of your air conditioner, and result in a bigger power bill.
Winter
In terms of what temperature to set your air conditioner in winter to keep your home toasty, it is recommended an ideal aircon temp of 20°C. Winter conditions are stable in southern Victoria, and your air conditioner is unlikely to require much adjustment to maintain the highest level of efficiency.
Why do the recommended temperatures vary between regions?
Air conditioners have to work harder to offset extreme temperatures. This means people living in warmer climates should set their cooling temperature a little lower, while people in cooler climates should set their heating temperature a little warmer.
It’s important to remember that while efficiency is important, so is comfort. The whole point of air conditioning is to maintain comfortable and liveable temperatures, even in harsher climates. Air conditioners can be expensive to run when efficient, so the optimal temperature is one that strikes the best balance between comfort and cost.
What is the most economical way to run an air conditioner?
If you’re looking for the ideal AC temperature to save electricity, the best long-term method is to avoid putting excess strain on it. Essentially, the harder your air conditioner has to work to cool or heat a room, the more electricity it will consume.
Setting your air conditioner to the recommended temperature for your climate will not only help reduce greenhouse emissions, it will also ensure you still enjoy a comfortable temperature while potentially reducing your electricity bill.
Settings are only one part of the process though. It’s also important to keep your air conditioner in good repair. Clogged ducts, blocked filters, and old components all result in further strain on your air conditioner, which lowers its efficiency. If your air conditioner needs to force air through a blocked filter, then its compressor is going to work much harder, which draws more power and costs you more money.
Maintaining the right settings and cleaning your air conditioner frequently are two great ways to optimise your efficiency, and reduce both your bills and your carbon footprint.
How to use AC with less power consumption
The question of how to reduce the electricity consumption of your air conditioner can be tricky. Here are some useful air conditioning tips to save energy, regardless of the season or where you live.
Tip #1: Choose an energy efficient air conditioner
Most split system air conditioners have a label with a blue and a red star rating. The blue star rating shows its energy efficiency when cooling, and the red star rating demonstrates its heating efficiency. Choosing an energy efficient air conditioner is a smart strategy that can save lots of money in the long run. Most systems market themselves as energy efficient, but it’s worth looking into it a bit further. Even the slightest increase in efficiency can translate into significant savings over time, so you need to look past the marketing hype. The most energy efficient systems are more expensive to begin with, but it’s an investment that will pay off.
Tip #2: Invest in good insulation and sealing
If the home or building you are attempting to heat or cool has poor sealing or insulation, your air conditioner will need to work harder to reach the temperature you have set. This can lead to higher electricity bills. A well-sealed home ensures that when your air conditioner is on, cool indoor air doesn’t simply escape outdoors and likewise the hot outdoor air can’t seep in. Having a well-sealed home means your air conditioner doesn’t need to work so hard to keep the air at your ideal temperature.
You should also close any doors to rooms you aren’t using (like laundries and bathrooms) to keep cool air where you need it most. Sealing gaps around doors and windows and using draught excluders will help you to ensure the cool air can’t escape and the hot summer air can’t get in. Using these methods will also help increase the lifespan of your air conditioner and keep your electricity bills under control.
Tip #3: Maintain your air conditioner
Dirty air conditioners are less efficient, and they can threaten your health as well. Because air conditioners process so much air during the heating and cooling process, they also consume a lot of debris. It only consists of small airborne particles, but that’s all it takes to clog filters and reduce efficiency. Some air conditioning maintenance you can do yourself, including cleaning filters and getting rid of mould in air conditioning systems. Ideally, this should be done monthly, or at least bi-annually – before the temperature heats up and when it starts to cool down.
Tip #4: Consider ducted air conditioning
Ducted air conditioning can be a more energy efficient option for larger homes, or commercial spaces. If you choose a late-model ducted air conditioner, you can get temperature zoning, which segments your home and allows you to concentrate cooling efforts where they’re needed most. Using Smartphone apps or central regulators, ducted air conditioners can cut cooling to rooms that aren’t in use, or even turn on and off with sensor technology. As a result, your energy won’t be wasted cooling empty or unoccupied rooms.
Tip #5: Use air conditioner timers
If you like to sleep with the air conditioner on, then timer technology can help you optimise air conditioner efficiency and save money. By setting your air conditioner to a timer, you can enjoy comfortable temperatures for the warmest parts of the night. Without sunlight, your room is likely to remain at a comfortable temperature, without the need for constant air conditioning. Ideally, turn your air conditioner off at night as the natural temperature (generally) falls. You can also keep cool at night by opening windows, ensuring your bedding is lightweight and using ceiling or pedestal fans. These can help make the room temperature feel cooler as it circulates the air.
If you have solar panels, it makes even more sense to cool your home down during the day rather than coming home to a boiling hot house that you have to cool down, putting excess strain on your air conditioner. Setting a timer is the ideal way to do this.
Tip #6: Throw some shade
On really hot days, depending on your home and how much natural sun and light comes streaming in, it can be useful to keep blinds, curtains, drapes and awnings drawn and closed. For sun-facing windows, light-coloured backings for blinds and curtains will help deflect the heat too. Keeping the excess heat out of your home will mean your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to keep you cool, keeping your energy bills down. You can also consider Mother Nature’s original shade maker – trees. Planting trees, shrubs or vines can add a defensive line of shade to the house, and help the environment too.
Tip #7: Have your unit professionally serviced
Is it necessary to service your AC every year? Yes, and in fact, we recommend bi-annual services as a minimum if you use your air conditioner frequently. The main benefit to regular servicing is being able to discover and fix small problems before they become expensive. Regular servicing will also:
- Improve the unit’s efficiency. Regular maintenance will allow your air conditioner to work more efficiently by reducing the pressure and stress that debris and dust build-up can place on your unit. When air filters become dirty and clogged, the normal flow of air is impeded. This means the unit needs to work harder than it should. When dirt or dust covers the evaporator coil, its ability to absorb heat is also impaired, which further reduces its ability to cool your home.
- Lower your electricity bills. In many homes, air conditioning makes up a significant portion of your monthly electricity consumption. Units that aren’t serviced regularly consume more power because they are forced to work harder, and their operating costs increase. They can use 5-10 per cent more electricity if compromised.
- Minimise future repairs or avoid a replacement. Air conditioners that aren’t maintained properly will eventually lead to bigger problems and potentially a breakdown. As units gather more dirt and dust, they become increasingly harder to clean. They may also become prone to overheating as the evaporator coils won’t be able to dissipate heat effectively.
- Ensure better indoor air quality. Air conditioners don’t just cool and heat your home. They also play an essential part in keeping the circulating air in your home clean and healthy. A dirty unit provides the ideal environment for the growth of fungi, bacteria and mould. When you turn on your unit, these particles blow into the room and contaminate the air. They can trigger asthma attacks, exacerbate allergies, and increase the risk of respiratory infections.
Keen to start saving money on your air conditioning bill this season? Contact Crown Power today on 0427 175 654 (Brisbane & Sunshine Coast) or 0409 678 803 (Gold Coast).
