Many people know what temperature they should set their air conditioners to in summer to be comfortable. However, a lot of people are confused as to what to set their air conditioners on in the winter months.
If you are one who sets it to 30 or its highest level, only to find it quickly gets too hot, then this article is for you.
In this article, we’re going to talk about the recommended thermostat for AC in the cold winter months. We’ll also look at 5 energy-saving tips to keep you warm at a reasonable price.
Recommended Air Conditioning Temperature In Winter
Many experts recommend keeping your temperature at around 20-22 degrees Celsius when you’re at home and around 18-20 degrees Celsius when you’re away.
This will help to save you money on your energy bills and also keep your home at a comfortable temperature. However, it is important to note the level of comfort will be different from person to person.
For example, many people prefer to run their aircon a little higher in winter, say 23-25 degrees. At least until they warm-up and then they may lower to 22 or so.
In any case, one member of your property may like a warmer room while others may like a cooler one. In this situation, the household would have to adjust and agree to a temperature everybody’s comfortable with.
5 Energy Saving Tips For Winter Air Conditioning
There are a few things that you can do in order to save money on your energy bills when using your air conditioner in winter.
#1 Don’t Set The Temperature Too High
Keeping your temperature below 22 degrees celsius is a good way to make sure you aren’t overworking your air conditioning unit while still being in a comfortable temperature.
When you set your temperature too high (28 degrees Celsius and above), the air conditioning unit will consume more energy to try to achieve your desired temperature.
If the temperature outside is too cold, the air conditioning unit may never be able to achieve that temperature making it work on high power mode much longer, therefore, increasing energy consumption.
#2 Insulate Your Home
Did you know that insulating your home can help you save up to 20% on utility bills?
Insulating your home helps keep your house warmer in the winter months by trapping warm air inside the room. It also helps keep it cool in summer too. Added bonus!
#3 Keep Your Air Conditioning Unit Running (Even When You’re Away)
You might think that turning your air conditioning unit off when you are away will save you money, but according to various industry experts, this is not the case.
Your AC unit will actually use more energy to get the temperature back to a comfortable temperature if you turn them off completely.
Instead, lower your temperature by 2-4 degrees Celsius when leaving so you can easily get it back to a comfortable temperature when you get home.
However, it is important to note that keeping any appliance running for hours on end can increase the risk of fire hazards. This is why it is always best to have your air conditioner professionally serviced regularly.
#4 Keep Your Air Conditioning Unit in Good Condition
Maintain your AC unit regularly to make sure it’s working efficiently.
When the AC unit is not properly maintained, it may work harder to achieve your desired temperature. And trust me, this will show on your electricity bill. Even a simple task of cleaning or replacing the filters can increase its efficiency.
To ensure your AC is working efficiently, contact our highly skilled HVAC team for regular servicing.
#5 Shut the Doors and Windows
Whilst it is important to open windows and sliding doors to allow fresh air into your property, you must ensure the doors and windows are closed when heating to trap the heat inside the room.
You should also inspect the windows and door seals for opportunities to reseal them. Even small holes can allow heat to escape and cold air to seep in.
Factors That Could Affect The Temperature In Winter
Aside from the air conditioning unit itself, there are a few factors that can affect the temperature in winter:
- Your home insulation – As mentioned, a properly insulated home creates a warmer environment during the winter season.
- The size of your room – A larger room takes more time and energy to heat up.
- The number of people in the room – The more people there is in the room, the warmer it’s gonna be and vice versa.
- The number of windows and doors – The more windows and doors there are, the colder it’s going to be.
- External factors such as wind chill – If your home is located in an area with a lot of wind, it may make the room feel colder than usual.
Conclusion
Whilst our instinct is to set our air con in winter as high as it will go, it will soon get too hot. Instead, it is better to set it to a pleasant temperature and leave it on to maintain this level.
Most people would be comfortable setting their AC units to 20-22 degrees Celsius in the winter months. However, it might be different for certain households and individuals.
Other than your AC unit, other factors affect the temperature in the room including room size, external weather conditions, and home insulation.
By following the 5 energy-saving tips outlined above, it’s possible to cut energy consumption. Helping you achieve a comfortable temperature in the cold months, without costing you a fortune.
