What Temperature Should I Set My Air Conditioner in Winter?
For most homes, a good air conditioner temperature in winter is around 18°C to 20°C when using heating mode. That range is usually warm enough to feel comfortable without making your system work harder than it needs to. The right setting can still vary depending on your home, the weather outside, and who is using the space.
If you have been wondering what temperature should I set my air conditioner in winter, the short answer is to start around 18°C or 19°C and adjust slightly from there if needed.
Best Aircon Temperature in Winter for Most Homes
When people ask about the best temp for aircon in winter, they are usually trying to balance two things comfort and running costs.
Setting your system too low can leave the room feeling cold and unpleasant. Setting it too high can increase energy use and make the space feel stuffy. For most households, 18°C to 20°C is a sensible middle ground.
That is why this range is often the best place to start if you are trying to work out what temperature to set your air conditioner in winter.
Why 18°C to 20°C Works Well
A moderate winter setting helps your system maintain a steady indoor temperature without pushing it too hard. In many homes, this range can help with:
- everyday comfort
- better energy efficiency
- lower running costs compared with higher settings
- more consistent heating across the room
If you feel tempted to turn the system up much higher, it is often worth checking whether something else is affecting comfort, such as draughts, dirty filters, or poor insulation.
What Affects Winter Air Conditioner Temperature?
There is no single setting that feels right in every home. A few things can influence the ideal winter air conditioner temperature.
Room size and layout
Large open areas can feel cooler than smaller enclosed rooms. High ceilings can also make a room harder to warm evenly.
Insulation and draughts
If warm air is escaping through gaps around doors or windows, the room may still feel cold even when the thermostat is set correctly.
Time of day
You may want a slightly different setting in the morning, during the day, and overnight depending on outdoor conditions and how the space is being used.
Who is in the room
Children, older adults, and people who feel the cold more easily may prefer a slightly warmer setting, while others may find 18°C comfortable.
How to Stay Warm Without Increasing Running Costs
Getting the right aircon temperature in winter is only part of the picture. A few small habits can make a noticeable difference. If you are also wondering whether running your air conditioning unit in winter costs more, it often depends on your temperature setting, how efficiently the system is operating, and how well your home holds heat.
Keep doors and windows closed
This helps hold warm air inside and reduces the strain on your system.
Seal obvious draughts
Small gaps around windows and doors can make a room feel colder than it should.
Use your system consistently
Constantly changing the thermostat can make it harder to maintain a steady indoor temperature. Starting with 18°C to 20°C is often more effective than turning it up very high and then bringing it back down.
Check your filters
Dirty filters can affect airflow and make heating less effective.
Book regular servicing
Routine air conditioning maintenance can help your system heat more efficiently and reduce the risk of poor performance during colder months.
Does Setting It Higher Heat the Room Faster?
Not usually.
Turning the thermostat much higher does not normally heat the room faster. It simply tells the system to keep running until it reaches that higher temperature. In many cases, this can lead to higher energy use without giving you better day to day comfort.
That is another reason why a moderate setting is often the best answer when deciding what temperature should I set my air conditioner in winter.
Signs Your System May Need Attention
Sometimes the issue is not the setting itself. If your home still feels cold even with a reasonable winter temperature, it may be worth checking whether the system needs servicing.
Look out for signs like:
- weak airflow
- uneven heating between rooms
- unusual smells
- strange noises
- higher running costs than usual
- a unit that takes too long to warm the room
If any of these are happening, a professional inspection may help identify the problem.
Not getting the warmth you expect from your system this winter?
If your system is struggling to heat your home properly this winter, PSB Air can help with air conditioning maintenance and support for existing systems so your unit performs more reliably through colder months. If your current setup is older or no longer keeping up, it may also be worth speaking to our team about domestic air conditioning installation options for your home.
