
From climate control to sneeze-free air, tips to feel comfortable and breathe easy at home.
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.
The ideal air conditioner temperature for most homes during the Australian summer is between 24-26 degrees Celsius. This temperature range is the sweet spot between comfort and energy efficiency.
While it might be tempting to lower your air con’s cooling temperature to Antarctic levels during hazy days and heat waves, every degree lower adds significantly to your energy consumption.
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.
Have you ever asked for the air con to be turned up, only for confusion to arise over whether you wanted to feel cooler or warmer? Some hear ‘up’ and think more cooling power, while others assume it means raising the air con temperature. The same goes for ‘down’—is it less cooling or a chillier setting? Ahhh, semantics. The solution? Asking ‘Can we make the air con cooler?’ (or warmer) should help avoid the thermostat tug-of-war.
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:
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).
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.
Close off unused rooms when using ducted air conditioning.
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
The right temperature for your air conditioning comes down to balancing comfort, energy use, and running costs. The most energy-efficient air conditioner is one that's used mindfully.
While 24-26°C is the recommended range, personal preferences play a role and you may like it slightly higher or lower. By finding your physical and fiscal air con comfort zone, you can keep your cool this summer.
Keep cool with Free, Next Day Delivery* on air con!
We deliver air conditioning units and everything else you can find on our site to 95% of Australians with Appliances Online's legendary FREE delivery - and we can usually get it to you by the next day (Mon-Fri) when it's in stock.
We even offer paid Same Day Delivery in metro NSW, Qld and Vic for in-stock items ordered by 12pm weekdays. Check out our full range of air conditioners and cooling systems, from pedestal and ceiling fans to split system, portable and window air con units. If you need a few more tips on choosing the best air conditioner for your home, call our friendly team 24/7 on 1300 000 500 or message us via the chat icon at the bottom of your screen.
Oli is Appliances Online's editor and blogger, with almost two decades of lifestyle-related writing and editing to his name. With a mission to help you buy better and live smarter, his brand loyalty will forever belong to the appliance manufacturer that develops a self-emptying dishwasher.