# What temperature should I set my air conditioner to in summer?

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4. What temperature should I set my air conditioner to in summer?

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- [What temperature should I set my air conditioner to in summer?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/what-temperature-set-air-conditioner-queensland-summer/)
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[Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/)

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.

By Aaron Midgley, Arlite Energy 4 minute read

**No DIY.** Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. Never open, repair, test or modify electrical equipment yourself, even if it looks simple. This guide explains what is happening; it is not a how-to.

**On this page**

1. Why is there no single right number?
2. How do I find my own setting?
3. What about dry mode and cool mode?
4. Does the setting affect my power bill?
5. What if the room will not reach the temperature I set?
6. What to note if your air conditioner struggles
7. Frequently asked questions

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](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/what-size-air-conditioner-do-i-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](https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/home-modifications-energy-savings/your-home). For the full picture, read our article on [what affects the cost of running an air conditioner](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/what-affects-air-conditioner-running-costs/).

## 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](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-not-cooling-or-heating/). Then ask a licensed installer to take a look.

Leave the unit alone if something seems wrong

Use the remote or wall control for normal settings only. Do not open the unit, touch its wiring or try to fix it. If there is smoke, sparks, a burning smell, or water near electrical equipment, leave the area and call 000.

## What to note if your air conditioner struggles

1. The setting and the room — Write down the temperature you set, the mode shown on the display, and which room the unit serves.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

Talk to the Arlite team

Not sure why a room will not get comfortable? Call **(07) 3062 9299** or use the [Arlite contact page](https://arlite.co/contact/) and the team will get back to you. Our licensed team can look at [air conditioning fault finding](https://arlite.co/services/air-conditioning/fault-finding/) for existing systems, and you can also ask about an in-home, no cost consult. Read about our [air conditioning services](https://arlite.co/services/air-conditioning/) on our website.

## 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.

[Learn about Air Conditioning](https://arlite.co/services/air-conditioning/)

Related services: [Ducted Air Conditioning](https://arlite.co/services/air-conditioning/ducted-air-conditioning/)

## Official guidance

For the rules and safety information that apply to your home, go to the regulators and industry bodies directly.

- [Australian Refrigeration Council](https://www.arctick.org/)
- [Energy Rating (Australian Government)](https://www.energyrating.gov.au/)
- [Electrical Safety Office Queensland](https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/)

Was this helpful?

Written by the team at Arlite Energy, a Brisbane business that designs and installs solar, air conditioning and electrical work for homes and businesses. We write these guides in plain English so you know what is happening in your home.

## Related articles

- [Air conditioningWhat affects how much it costs to run an air conditioner?Running costs depend on your electricity plan, how long and how hard the unit runs, its efficiency and size, and your home.](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/what-affects-air-conditioner-running-costs/)
- [Air conditioningWhy is my air conditioner not cooling or heating properly?Weak cooling or heating usually comes from airflow, settings, sizing or refrigerant problems, and some of these need a licensed technician.](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-not-cooling-or-heating/)
- [Air conditioningWhat size air conditioner do I need for my room or home?The right kW size depends on room size, ceiling height, sun, insulation and layout, so a licensed professional should assess it.](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/what-size-air-conditioner-do-i-need/)
- [Air conditioningHow often does an air conditioner need servicing?Many manufacturers and installers advise servicing every one to two years, but follow your manual and warranty and use a licensed technician.](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/how-often-air-conditioner-servicing/)

## Still stuck?

Tell us what is going on and we can arrange a call-out.

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On this page

1. Why is there no single right number?
2. How do I find my own setting?
3. What about dry mode and cool mode?
4. Does the setting affect my power bill?
5. What if the room will not reach the temperature I set?
6. What to note if your air conditioner struggles
7. Frequently asked questions

---

**Arlite Energy**, Unit 1, 1468 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur QLD 4503. Phone [(07) 3062 9299](tel:+61730629299), email [info@arlite.co](mailto:info@arlite.co). Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm.

Page: https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/what-temperature-set-air-conditioner-queensland-summer/
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