Not sure what temperature to set your air conditioner to? You’re not alone! Achieving thermal comfort—maintaining an optimal indoor temperature that balances human comfort with energy efficiency is a key goal when setting your air conditioning.
Whether you’re cooling your home in a summer heatwave or trying to keep your office comfortable and productive, getting it just right can make all the difference -both for comfort and energy bills. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the ideal air con settings for homes and offices alike. If you’re looking for advice for your workplace, feel free to scroll down or click here to jump straight to our office & commercial section.
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What is the Perfect Temperature to Set Your Home Air Conditioning?
Finding the ideal temperature for your home air conditioning isn’t one-size-fits-all — it can vary depending on factors like room size, insulation, and outside temperature. Adjusting your air conditioning settings can help save money and lower utility bills by reducing energy consumption. Choosing a preferred temperature or desired temperature is important for both comfort and energy efficiency.
As a general guide, most UK households feel comfortable setting their AC to around 22c during the warmer months. This keeps things cool enough to feel refreshed without overworking the system or causing a chill. If you’ve got a full house, you may want to go slightly cooler to offset the extra body heat. On the other hand, if you’re cooling just one or two rooms, a lower setting isn’t always necessary.
It’s also worth thinking about energy efficiency — especially with today’s energy costs. Every degree lower can increase your electricity usage by up to 10%, so it’s best to avoid cranking the AC unnecessarily. The good news is, a well-installed and properly maintained air conditioning system can actually be a smart long-term investment. Not only does it improve comfort, but it can also help you manage energy use more effectively — especially when paired with smart thermostats and regular servicing. Our engineers at AC South are always happy to offer friendly advice, maintenance check-ups, and tune-ups to make sure your system is running as efficiently as possible. Whether you’re considering a new installation or just want to get the most from your current setup, we’re here to help you stay cool without breaking the bank.
How Cool Should You Keep Your Home in Summer? Here’s Our Guide:
Air conditioning is a brilliant way to keep your home comfortable during those warmer UK months — and it doesn’t have to mean sky-high bills. Preventing hot air from entering your home and using proper ventilation are key strategies to keep your home cool and energy-efficient during summer. With a few smart habits and the right setup, you can enjoy a cool, calm space all summer long. Here are our top five tips to help you get the best out of your air conditioning at home:
- Set Your Temperature to 22°C: The temperature 22°C is considered the optimal air conditioner temperature for most UK homes. This is the sweet spot for comfort and efficiency, providing a desired temperature that feels refreshing at night without putting extra strain on your system — or your energy bill.
- Cool the Rooms That Matter Most: Focus on the areas you use most, like the living room or bedroom. Zoned cooling or simply keeping doors shut helps your AC work smarter, not harder.
- Don’t Overdo the Settings: It’s tempting to crank the temperature right down on hot days, but setting it too low won’t speed things up — it just burns more energy. A steady setting works best.
- Use Fans to Boost the Breeze: Pair your air con with a ceiling or standing fan to help move the cool air around the room. Fans create a wind chill effect, increasing air circulation and making you feel cooler even at higher temperatures. It’ll feel cooler without having to drop the temperature further.
- Get Your System Checked Before a Heatwave Hits: A well-maintained AC unit is more effective and more energy efficient. At AC South, our engineers can give your system a quick summer service to keep it running at its best — so you stay cool when it matters most.
What Temperature Should You Leave Your AC On When You’re Out?
If you’re popping out for a few hours, it’s best to leave your air con on at a slightly higher temperature — around 24C — to keep your home from overheating without using unnecessary energy. This way, your system doesn’t have to work too hard to cool things back down when you return. Heading out for the whole day or longer? You can switch it off completely or use a smart thermostat to schedule it to come on just before you get home. It’s all about keeping things comfortable while saving on energy — and your AC can do both with the right settings!
Using Air Conditioning for Heating? Here’s the Ideal Winter Temperature
Modern air conditioning systems aren’t just for summer — they’re great for heating too, especially with energy-efficient heat pump technology. If you’re using your AC to stay warm in winter, aim for a cosy setting of 19–21°C. This keeps your home comfortable without overdoing it, helping you save on energy while still taking the chill off. It’s perfect for quick, consistent warmth in bedrooms, living spaces, or home offices. And if your system’s been sitting idle since summer, a quick maintenance check from our team at AC South will make sure it’s running smoothly before the cold really sets in.
The Perfect AC Temperature for Offices To Stay Cool & Focused
In a busy office, getting the temperature just right can make a big difference to how your team feels and performs. The ideal range for most workspaces is between 21–23°C, striking the balance between keeping people alert and comfortable without making the space feel too cold. Too warm and productivity can drop — too cold and you’ll have people reaching for jumpers. It’s also worth considering the layout of your space, the number of people, and any equipment giving off heat, like computers and printers, as these can all affect the comfort levels.
Keeping your office at a steady, comfortable temperature isn’t just good for morale — it’s also smart for energy use. A well-maintained air conditioning system will run more efficiently, especially when used with programmable thermostats or zoning for different areas. At AC South, we work with businesses across the South of England to optimise their commercial systems for both comfort and cost. Whether you’re looking to improve airflow, update an older system, or simply make sure everything’s working as it should, our expert team is here to help you keep your cool — and keep productivity on track.
The Best Office AC Settings to Keep Cool Without Wasting Energy
To keep your office cool without driving up energy bills, aim to set your air conditioning around 22°C — it’s the sweet spot for comfort and efficiency. Avoid the temptation to go colder, as it won’t cool the room faster but will use more energy. Simple steps like closing blinds, maintaining your system regularly, and using smart thermostats can make a big difference. And if you’re not sure your setup is running as efficiently as it could, the team at AC South is always on hand to help fine-tune things.
Save Energy Overnight: Ideal Temperature Settings for Empty Offices
When the office is empty overnight, there’s no need to keep the air conditioning running at full power. Instead, set your system to around 26–28°C or switch it off entirely if the temperature allows. This helps save energy without letting the space get too warm or stuffy by morning. For even better efficiency, use a programmable thermostat or timer — and if you’re unsure how to set it up, AC South can help make sure your system’s working smarter, not harder, after hours.
Keeping your office at a steady, comfortable temperature isn’t just good for morale — it’s also smart for energy use. A well-maintained air conditioning system will run more efficiently, especially when used with programmable thermostats or zoning for different areas. At AC South, we work with businesses across the South of England to optimise their commercial systems for both comfort and cost. Whether you’re looking to improve airflow, update an older system, or simply make sure everything’s working as it should, our expert team is here to help you keep your cool — and keep productivity on track.
Air Conditioning Temperature and Humidity Control: Why Both Matter for Comfort and Health
When it comes to creating a truly comfortable environment with your air conditioner, it’s not just about setting the right temperature—humidity control is just as important. The perfect balance between conditioning temperature and humidity can make all the difference in how cool and fresh your home or office feels, as well as how much energy your air conditioning system uses.
High humidity can make the air feel warmer and stuffier, while low humidity can leave the air feeling dry and uncomfortable. In areas with high humidity, you might need to set your air conditioning unit a little lower to achieve that crisp, cool air. Conversely, in places with low humidity, a higher temperature setting can still feel comfortable and help you save energy.
Modern air conditioners and smart thermostats are designed to help you manage both temperature and humidity levels with ease. These systems can automatically adjust to maintain a consistent temperature and optimal humidity, ensuring efficient cooling and a healthier indoor environment. Good air flow is also key—using ceiling fans or improving ventilation can help circulate conditioned air, reduce the workload on your AC unit, and keep indoor air quality high.
Don’t forget, factors like outdoor temperature, direct sunlight, and the size of your windows can all influence the best temperature setting for your space. Homes with large windows or lots of sun exposure may need a slightly lower setting to offset heat gain, while well-insulated spaces can often stay comfortable with a higher temperature setting. Regular maintenance of your air conditioning units is essential too, ensuring efficient cooling and helping you avoid unexpected spikes in your electricity bill.
By paying attention to both conditioning temperature and humidity control, you can create a comfortable environment that’s energy efficient and healthy. Whether you’re using central air, a smart thermostat, or the latest energy-efficient air conditioning units, finding the perfect balance will help you save energy, reduce your energy costs, and enjoy fresh, cool air all year round.
Air Conditioning Not Working Right? We’re Just a Local Call Away
Whether your air con is blowing warm air, making strange noises, or just not performing as it should, our friendly team at AC South is here to help. We offer expert installation, maintenance, and repairs across the South of England — and we’re only ever a quick call away. No jargon, no stress — just honest advice and reliable service to keep your home or business cool, comfortable, and running smoothly all year round.
If you would like to discuss air conditioning maintenance or are interested in installing a unit in your home or business, get in touch with our team at [email protected]
