What Temperature Should I Set My Air Conditioner in Winter?
Determining the optimal temperature for your air conditioner during winter can be a delicate task – you aim to strike a balance between comfort and energy conservation. So, how do you achieve this perfect balance? Read on to learn from PSB Air Conditioning optimal temperatures for your AC system.
Why Is Identifying The Right Winter Temperature Crucial?
Health Considerations
Inappropriately set temperatures can lead to excessive humidity, fostering the growth of harmful mould and fungi, which can compromise air quality. Asthma sufferers can experience significant breathing issues under such conditions.
When humidity levels soar, asthmatic individuals may suffer from coughing, sneezing, difficulty in breathing, and potentially even contract pneumonia. Hence, settling on a comfortable temperature in the colder months can maintain not only skin and hair health but also promote easy breathing – a compelling reason to avoid setting your thermostat too low!
Expense
Identify a temperature that offers warmth without straining your budget. The various modes and fan settings on air conditioners exist for efficient energy use. Even when it’s freezing outside, resist the urge to crank your air conditioner up to 28 degrees. Find a more appropriate, comfortable temperature to avoid making your air conditioner work harder than necessary to maintain high temperatures, thereby preventing a nasty shock on your bill.
Comfort
Being overly hot or cold can lead to fatigue or even illness. If you notice an increase in aches and frequent sickness, seek a comfortable temperature that won’t sap your energy. On average, sustaining a temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius is kinder to your body compared to grappling with 24 degrees – and it could save you a lot of money over time!
Organisation and Productivity
An organised work environment implies fewer distractions and less disruption to your workflow. When temperatures soar, motivation to work hard diminishes as discomfort rises.
So, What Temperature Should I Set My Air Conditioner in Winter?
The recommended winter night temperature for adults lies between 15.6°C and 19.4°C, while for infants, it ranges between 20°C and 22.2°C. Set your thermostat to these temperatures, considering winter bedding and sleepwear.
However, the optimal bedroom temperature range depends on several factors, such as your room’s orientation (north-facing rooms tend to be cooler), the time of day, and how frequently you open your windows, among others.
It’s not advisable to set your thermostat below 18°C or above 24°C at night. High nighttime temperatures can disrupt your sleep, negatively affecting your health, alertness, and daytime functionality.
Yet, there may be instances when you prefer a slightly warmer setting, especially if you experience aches and pains exacerbated by cooler air. In such cases, consider using an electric blanket for sleep, rather than turning up your thermostat, to conserve energy.
Canstar Blue’s recent article suggests that a standard air conditioner’s temperature should be set around 25 to 27 degrees for summer cooling, and approximately 18 to 20 degrees for winter heating. This practice ensures maximum energy efficiency from your unit. These temperatures are predicated on a moderate climate, but as we’re well aware, Australia is a land of diverse climates.
Tips for Achieving the Ideal Winter Temperature
As we’ve explored, setting your temperature too high could skyrocket your energy bills. However, setting it too low might leave you less comfortable and warm than desired.
Thankfully, there are strategies to achieve winter comfort without financial strain.
Seal your home
Before you tweak the temperature, ensure your home is appropriately sealed. Poorly sealed areas allow cold air to infiltrate and warm air to leak out, hindering you from reaching the ideal temperature.
Check for drafts around doors and windows; the seals around your air conditioning unit also deserve a glance – these are common spots where leaks occur.
If drafts are discovered, consider using caulking to seal them up. Filling these gaps can mitigate energy loss through thermal insulation. Also, remember to close your windows.
Maintain your air conditioner regularly.
Air conditioners necessitate regular maintenance, an easily overlooked fact. To boost efficiency, schedule routine Air Conditioning maintenance services with a certified technician.
Such a professional can clean or replace dirty filters and inspect for any wear and tear on parts that may cause overheating, subsequently reducing energy efficiency and effectiveness over time.
Ensuring your air conditioning unit is in optimal condition will help prevent unnecessary monthly expenditure.
In Conclusion
Considering both comfort and health aspects, the temperature to set your air conditioner in winter should be between 15.6°C and 22.2°C. This range will vary depending on factors such as the presence of infants, the time of day, and the room location.
For maximum energy efficiency and a lower electricity bill, Canstar Blue advises setting the temperature between 18°C to 20°C. Following these guidelines and maintaining your unit will help you enjoy a cosy winter without any unwelcome surprises on your energy bill.
