What's the perfect temperature to set your air con to in summer?

When summer arrives in Australia we tend to crank up the air conditioning in a bid to find immediate relief from the heat. Being a bit too trigger-happy with the thermostat can send power costs soaring though.

Whether you're battling humid nights in Sydney or scorching days in Central Australia, the best temperature to set your air con to is the one that stops you sweating from both the heat and the thought of your next electricity bill.

According to the Australian Government's Your Home website and energy providers like Energy Australia, every degree lower you set your air conditioner increases its energy consumption by between 5 and 10%. With air conditioners often running for several hours a day, keeping your temperature setting between 24-26°C instead of 20-22°C can actually lead to significant savings on your energy bills.

So what does this temperature range feel like? At 24-26°C:

• you can move comfortably without feeling sticky

• the temperature difference from outside isn't so dramatic that it’s a shock to your system when you go in or out

• your air conditioning operates at an optimum efficiency level

• you're not wasting energy overcooling your space.

Different regions of Australia can require different approaches to air conditioning temperatures. In areas with higher humidity levels, your home can feel warmer than it actually is, so you might want to stick closer to 24°C, whereas in drier regions you might find 26°C perfectly comfortable. During extreme heat waves you may need to slightly adjust your usual desired temperature, but try to stay within the 24°-26°C range.

While air conditioners do remove some moisture from the air during the cooling process, in very humid climates this might not be enough. If you find your air con is struggling to make the room feel comfortable even at the right temperature, you might want to consider getting a separate dehumidifier. These units specifically target excess moisture and can work alongside your air conditioning system to create a more comfortable environment.

Getting the most from your split system, portable or ducted air conditioning doesn't just come down to temperature setting. Here are some energy-saving tips:

1. Where possible, use ceiling fans in combination with air con to help distribute cool air more effectively (the wind chill factor it creates will not affect the actual temperature, but can make you feel a few degrees cooler).

2. Consider how room temperatures change naturally throughout the day, largely based on whether windows are receiving direct sunlight (East-facing get morning sun while West-facing get afternoon sun). Be strategic with blinds and curtains, blocking direct sun from certain rooms at different times of the day.

3. Close off unused rooms when using ducted air conditioning.

4. Regular maintenance helps maintain efficient air flow and reduces running costs. Cleaning filters in split system air conditioners can significantly enhance their performance.

• Start with 25°C and adjust up or down based on comfort

• Use the ‘dry’ mode on humid days instead of always relying on cool mode

• Consider using reverse cycle systems year-round for efficient warming in winter

• Remember that every degree lower means higher energy costs