Air conditioning What temperature should I set my air conditioner to in summer?
Most people are comfortable at about 24 to 26 degrees in a Queensland summer. Adjust gradually, allow for humidity, and call an installer if the unit struggles.
Most households are comfortable with an air conditioner set to about 24 to 26 degrees in a Queensland summer. Start there, then adjust by one degree at a time until the room feels right. Humid weather can make a room feel warmer than the number suggests, so let comfort, not only the number, guide you.
Why is there no single right number?
Comfort depends on more than the temperature on the remote. These things all play a part:
- Humidity. Brisbane summers are often sticky, and damp air can feel warmer than the same temperature on a dry day.
- The room. Sun on the walls and windows, ceiling height, insulation and how many people are in the room all change how it feels.
- You. Some people like a cooler room, and sleeping comfort is different from daytime comfort.
- The system. A unit that suits the room will hold a setting more easily. Our article on what size air conditioner you need explains why size matters.
How do I find my own setting?
Start at about 24 to 26 degrees. If the room does not feel right, change the setting by one degree and see how it feels before changing it again. Once you find a setting you are happy with, leave it there. Treat the number on the remote as the target you want the room to reach, not as a speed control.
What about dry mode and cool mode?
Many air conditioners have a dry mode as well as a cool mode. What each mode does, and what it is called, varies between brands and models, so check your manual or ask your installer about yours. If a room still feels sticky, you can compare how it feels in cool mode at a comfortable setting. Your manual is the best guide to what each mode on your remote is meant for.
Does the setting affect my power bill?
Settings are one of several things that influence running costs, along with the size of the system, the home and how often it runs. The Queensland Government lists adjusting your air conditioner temperature as a general energy tip on its home energy savings page. For the full picture, read our article on what affects the cost of running an air conditioner.
What if the room will not reach the temperature I set?
On a very hot day, a unit can take a while to bring a room down, and that is not always a fault. If the room never gets near your setting, or something looks wrong on the display, make a note of what you see and read our article on why an air conditioner is not cooling or heating properly. Then ask a licensed installer to take a look.
What to note if your air conditioner struggles
The setting and the room
Write down the temperature you set, the mode shown on the display, and which room the unit serves.
What the display says
Photograph the remote or wall control, and any message or flashing light on the display. Write down any code exactly as shown.
What you can see and hear
Note any unusual noise, smell or water that you can see from where you are standing, and when it happens.
What has changed
Note anything new, such as a very hot day, a storm, an outage, or a change in how the room is used.
Frequently asked questions
About 24 to 26 degrees suits most households. Adjust one degree at a time until the room feels comfortable, and allow for humid days feeling warmer.
Not necessarily. The setting is the target temperature for the room. Choose a number you will be comfortable at and leave it there.
It depends on your model, because modes work differently between brands. Check your manual or ask your installer, and compare how the room feels in each.
Not always, especially on a very hot day. If the room never gets close, note the setting and any display message, then ask a licensed installer.
No. Air conditioning work needs a licensed installer. You can safely photograph the display and note what you see, then call for help.
Related services: Ducted Air Conditioning
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