Setting the temperature of your air conditioner can be tricky – you want to be cool enough to avoid feeling miserable, but you don’t want to let your heating system run all day and night, wasting energy. So, how do you find the right balance?
Why Is Finding The Right Temperature In Winter Important?
1. Health benefits
The wrong temperature may cause humidity and can wreak havoc on air quality by fostering the growth of fungus and mould. Asthma can cause serious breathing difficulties if you or a loved one suffers from the condition.
If humidity levels are high, people with asthma may find themselves coughing, sneezing, having trouble getting oxygen into their lungs, and even getting pneumonia.
This is why finding a comfortable temperature during cold months will not only keep your skin dry and make your hair look great but also make it easier to breathe- which is why you shouldn’t adjust your thermostat too low!
2. Cost
Find a comfortable temperature that keeps you feeling warm without sacrificing your budget. There’s a reason why air conditioners have different modes and fan settings, and that reason is efficiency.
When it’s too cold outside, don’t set your air conditioner to 28 degrees (as tempting as it may be). Find a more reasonable and appropriate temperature where you feel comfortable. This will prevent your air conditioner from having to work overtime to maintain the high temperature and ultimately prevent bill shock.
3. Comfort
You may not realise it, but being too hot or too cold can make you feel exhausted or even unwell. If you’re feeling achy and getting sick more often, find a comfortable temperature that won’t drain your energy.
On average, maintaining 68 degrees is easier on your body than dealing with 75 degrees- and it can save you tons of money over time!
4. Organisation and productivity
Having an organised work environment means fewer distractions and fewer hiccups when you’re trying to get things done; when temperatures are too high, no one feels motivated to work hard because working becomes uncomfortable.
So, What Temperature Should I Set My Air Conditioner in Winter?
The ideal winter night temperature for adults is between 15.6°C and 19.4°C, and for babies, it is between 20°C and 22.2°C. Set the thermostat accordingly to these temperatures, which take into account sleep attire and winter bedding.
However, the best bedroom temperature range depends on a few factors, such as your room’s location (north-facing rooms tend to be colder), what time of the day it is (day ranges are higher than night ones), and how often you open your windows, among other things.
At night, it is not recommended to go below 18°C or above 24°C. Nighttime temperatures that are too high can make it difficult for you to sleep soundly at night, negatively impacting your health, alertness, and ability to function during daytime hours.
However, there may be times when you prefer slightly warmer temperatures, especially if you suffer from aches and pains that worsen when exposed to cooler air. If so, consider using an electric blanket while sleeping instead of cranking up your thermostat settings to preserve energy.
A recent article published by Canstar Blue suggests that the standard air conditioner’s temperature should be set to 25 to 27 degrees for cooling in summer, and around 18 to 20 degrees for heating in winter. This is to ensure maximum energy efficiency from your unit. Keep in mind that these temperatures assume you live in a moderate climate, but as we all know, Australia is a land of many climates.
Tips for Finding the Perfect Temperature In Winter
As we have discussed, setting your temperature too high could cause your energy bills to soar. But if you set it too low, you might not be as comfortable or warm as you’d like.
Fortunately, you can do a few things to get comfortable in winter without breaking the bank.
Seal your home
Before adjusting the temperature, make sure your home is properly sealed. Poorly sealed areas will allow cold air to enter and warm air to escape, keeping you from reaching that optimal temperature.
Take a look around doors and windows for drafts; you might also want to check if any of the seals around your air conditioning unit are broken or missing- these are some of the most common spots for leaks to occur.
If you do find yourself with drafts, try caulking them up! Filling any holes can help reduce energy loss through thermal insulation. You should also shut your windows.
Regularly maintain your air conditioner.
It’s easy to forget that air conditioners require maintenance. If you want to maximise efficiency, you should schedule a regular service with a certified technician.
A service technician can clean or replace any dirty filters and check for any damage or wear on parts that may be causing them to overheat, reducing energy efficiency and effectiveness as time goes on.
Making sure you have an efficient air conditioning unit will help ensure that you’re not wasting money each month.
Wrap Up
From a comfort and health perspective, the temperature you should set your air conditioner in winter is between 15.6°C and 22.2°C depending on whether you have a baby in the room, time of the day, and location.
If you’re wanted to to ensure maximum energy efficiency and reduce your electricity bill, Canstar Blue recommends setting the temperature between 18°C to 20°C.
