Ideal Air Conditioning Temperatures

Australia boasts a wide range of climates and temperatures. From snowy winters to scorching summers and everything in between, people in Australia put up with some of the world’s toughest climates. In some places, air conditioners are more of a necessity than a luxury.

Like the other major appliances in your home though, air conditioners can use a lot of power, and a sweltering summer can make your power bills soar. How you use your air conditioner plays a big role in whether or not you’re getting bang for your buck. Depending on where you live, the size of the air con unit and how you use it, your summer power bills could turn out to be quite a shock. The best way to balance your comfort against your power bill is to make sure you’re using the ideal air conditioning temperatures for your home and climate.

Set Your Air Conditioner to the Ideal Temperature

Ergon Energy has found the amount of power an air conditioner uses increases by 10% for every extra degree of heating or cooling. That adds up fast over the course of summer, and it can mean a difference of hundreds of dollars per year!

The correct temperature depends on the climate you live in. And it’s not just the heat that’s a factor – things like humidity and dust storms can also impact your air conditioner’s efficiency. The table below provides a guide for the best air conditioning temperatures in each region of Australia:

Choose the Right Size Air Conditioner

The temperature isn’t the only thing that impacts your air conditioner’s efficiency. Another major factor is whether the air conditioning unit has been properly matched to the size of the room. 

Split systems and ducted air conditioners both come in a range of different sizes. Choosing an undersized system for your home means your air conditioner will always be struggling to keep up with your cooling demands. On the other hand, an oversized air conditioner will cost you more up front, and the extra energy it consumes will drive up your power bills unnecessarily.

So, in addition to setting the right temperature, you need to choose the right air conditioner for the space. Matching air conditioners to a room can be tricky and a little bit of professional help goes a long way. But the table below provides a rough guide for choosing a split system air conditioner:

Maximising Your Air Conditioning this Summer

So, you’ve chosen the right size air conditioner and it’s set to the correct temperature, what now? Well, there are still a few important ways you can stay comfortable without impacting your power bills this summer:

• Adjust the temperature throughout the day. You don’t need to run your air con at full blast all day and night. Changing the temperature as necessary saves power, and increasing the temperature by a few degrees during the night actually improves sleep.
• Seal up any air gaps around your doors and windows. Escaping cool air is energy that’s being wasted. Spend some time using sealant and weatherproofing strips to get rid of those small air leaks.
• Use your ceiling fans to circulate cool air from the air conditioner. Ceiling fans are very energy efficient and they are a great way to stay cool without having to run your air con at maximum capacity.
• Close your curtains to keep out the sunlight during the hottest parts of the day.

Invest in air conditioning maintenance to make sure your appliances are running as efficiently as possible.

Get Ready for Summer with Air Conditioning Services by Technicool!

Everyone who lives in Brisbane is well aware of how punishing a hot and humid summer can be. Maximising your air conditioners doesn’t just save power, it’s the best way to stay comfortable, manage your sleep and improve the quality of the air in your home.

Technicool works with all residential and commercial clients throughout Brisbane, offering a comprehensive range of air conditioning installation, maintenance and repair services. Our experienced team provides expert advice to match you with the best air conditioners for your home, so you can save on your power bills and make better use of the solar panels on your roof. Contact us today to find out more or to book an appointment!