Split system air conditioning is the best way to beat Brisbane’s hot summers and crisp winters.
While air conditioning makes it easy to stay comfortable, the temperature you choose can have a big effect on the system’s effectiveness and efficiency.
So what should your air conditioning temperature be set at?
The answer depends on your home, your family and how you use the system. There’s plenty of debate about the “perfect” temperature, so we want to clear things up.
In this article, we’ll discuss the best air conditioning temperature for during the day and while you’re sleeping, and some of the ways you can maximise your air conditioning.
What Should My Air Conditioning Temperature Be Set At?
The best air conditioning temperature for homes in Brisbane is 23C-25C during the day. This provides a good compromise between comfort and efficiency.
The right temperature for your family depends on where you live, relative humidity, how powerful the system is, and other factors. For example, 23C may be too cold for areas with low humidity. On the other hand, 25C may be too warm for a small bedroom that you share with another person.
If you’re using a reverse cycle air conditioner to stay warm in winter, you should set your thermostat to 18C during the day. Heating your home is very energy-intensive, so it’s better to add a blanket or a jumper rather than increasing the air conditioning temperature.
What is the Best Air Conditioning Temperature for Sleeping?
We recommend setting your air conditioning to 25C overnight when you’re trying to sleep. That keeps the room comfortable without making it cold, which can improve your sleep quality.
This is because cooler temperatures cause the body to produce melatonin. Melatonin promotes sleep and helps ensure that your nights are restful.
Setting your air conditioner to 25C overnight can help with:
- Falling asleep faster
- Quality of sleep
- Feeling rested during the day
- Muscle recovery and immune response
- Stress and anxiety levels
- Insomnia
Be careful that you don’t set your air conditioning temperature too low when sleeping. A cold room will cause restless sleep, so try to find a setting that works for you.
You can also use your air conditioner’s Sleep Function. These settings typically cool down the room before you go to bed, and then gradually increase the temperature once you’ve fallen asleep. Some air conditioners even have motion detectors and can lower the temperature if you’re restless.
Air Conditioning Temperature and Energy Savings
Cooling your home consumes a large amount of energy. In fact, the Australian Government says that heating and cooling accounts for about 40% of household energy use.
The good news is that setting your thermostat to 23C-25C can save you a substantial amount of money. Research from Canstar shows that increasing your air conditioning temperature by just 2 degrees can save you over $55 every year.
That might not sound like a lot, but if you’re running multiple split system air conditioners, the savings add up quickly!
Tips for Maximising Your Air Conditioner
Air conditioners might seem like magic, but they work using simple principles. This means that there are a few things you can do if you want to get more cooling power without driving up your power bill!
You can increase the effectiveness and efficiency of your air conditioner by:
- Turning the system on in the morning – Turn your air conditioner on while your home is still cool. If you wait for the heat of the day to set in, your air conditioner will have to work harder to cool the space down.
- Closing curtains and blinds – You can use curtains and blinds to block out the hot midday sun. This reduces heat, insulates your home and lightens the load on your air conditioner.
- Closing doors and windows – Keep your internal doors and windows closed while using air conditioning. This traps the cooled air inside your home and improves efficiency.
- Sealing air gaps – Air gaps around your doors and windows can be a major waste of conditioned air. These gaps can be sealed using products like caulking and foam weatherstripping.
- Using energy saving settings – Make use of any energy saving controls that are built into your air conditioner. The right settings will reduce the amount of energy you’re consuming without impacting comfort.
- Having your air conditioner serviced – Regular air conditioning maintenance is the best way to ensure your system is performing at its full potential. Yearly servicing appointments will clean, inspect and test the unit. This extends its lifespan and improves cooling power.
Stay Comfortable Year-Round with Air Conditioning by Martel Electrical!
Split system air conditioning is an affordable and efficient way to stay comfortable in both summer and winter. If you’re sick of Brisbane’s summer heat, or if you want to stay warm in winter, give our North Brisbane Electricians a call!
Martel Electrical provides split system air conditioning installation in Brisbane.
We tailor each installation to suit your needs, the layout of your home, and how you plan to use the system. That ensures you get year-round performance and can dramatically improve the efficiency of your air conditioning.
Contact Martel Electrical for your personalised quote today!