The Ideal Temperature For Your Air Conditioner All Year Round

Keeping cool in summer and cosy in winter is a comfort every homeowner, tenant, or business manager expects from their air conditioner. But knowing the ideal temperature to set your AC for each season—and how to maintain it efficiently—is often less obvious. Striking the right balance between comfort and energy efficiency comes down to a combination of correct temperature settings, seasonal habits, and professional servicing. If you’re unsure where your thermostat should sit or how to adapt it throughout the year, this guide will help you make better use of your air conditioning system without driving up energy bills.

Setting your air conditioner to the right temperature is not just about how warm or cool you feel. It’s also about how hard the system works and how much energy it consumes. In most homes and commercial spaces, the temperature sweet spot tends to sit between 22°C and 24°C in summer, while 18°C to 20°C is ideal in winter.

This range is considered optimal because it allows the air conditioner to operate effectively without overworking the compressor. Pushing the system harder—either lower in summer or higher in winter—can cause unnecessary wear and energy use.

Why this temperature range works:



• It suits the body’s natural comfort zone without needing blankets or fans.
• It prevents the compressor from constantly cycling on and off.
• It reduces energy usage and the risk of sudden breakdowns.
• It ensures a more even distribution of cool or warm air across rooms.

Newcastle’s temperate coastal climate experiences warm summers, cool winters, and mild conditions in between. Adjusting your air conditioner temperature as the seasons shift can help you stay comfortable and save money.

Seasonal setting suggestions:

• Summer: Set between 23°C and 24°C for efficient cooling without overuse.
• Autumn/Spring: Use mild settings or fan-only mode if temperatures are moderate.
• Winter: Set to 18°C–20°C to heat the space gently without energy wastage.
• Humidity: In muggy weather, use the dry mode or a dehumidifier function.

Seasonal servicing by an air conditioner service technician in Newcastle ensures your system is prepared to handle these transitions smoothly.

Energy bills can quickly add up if your system is overcompensating for extreme settings. Many households and workplaces make the mistake of dropping the thermostat as low as possible in summer or cranking it to 25°C+ in winter.

Every degree you adjust beyond the ideal range increases your energy use by up to 10%.

Ways to use your settings efficiently:



• Don’t drop the temp below 22°C in summer—let the system circulate air instead.
• Use ceiling fans with the AC to reduce strain and enhance air movement.
• Keep your home shaded in summer with blinds or curtains to reduce indoor heat.
• Avoid heating rooms above 20°C in winter to save on heating costs.

Smart thermostats and zoned air conditioning systems offer better control over your indoor climate—especially in larger homes or office environments. These systems can be programmed to regulate temperature in specific zones or at certain times of day, reducing unnecessary running time.

Smart thermostat benefits:

• Adjusts automatically to daily or seasonal weather changes.
• Remote access via apps helps when you're not home.
• Creates energy savings through scheduling & zoning.
• Enables accurate temperature maintenance across multiple rooms.



Talk to an AC professional about integrating a smart controller into your existing system.

Humidity is a key factor that affects how warm or cool you feel indoors. Newcastle’s coastal air often carries high moisture, especially in summer, making the air feel heavier and warmer than the actual temperature.

If your home feels stuffy even when the temperature is set right, it could be a humidity problem.

Tips to improve humidity control:

• Use the AC’s dry mode when humidity is high.
• Clean filters regularly to promote airflow and avoid mould buildup.
• Have a technician service and inspect your drainage tray and coils.
• Consider installing a dehumidifier or upgrading to a unit with integrated humidity control.

Energy wastage is common when people leave their air conditioning running unnecessarily. Whether you're away for the day or a week, there are smarter ways to manage your system.

Holiday & absence settings:

• Set to 25°C–26°C cooling or 16°C–17°C heating while you’re away.
• Use programmable timers to turn the system on/off during peak hours.
• Switch to eco mode if your AC has it.
• Close curtains and seal doors to keep the room stable while unoccupied.



Regular servicing helps ensure timers and automated functions operate correctly.

Over time, dirt, dust, and component wear affect your air conditioner’s ability to regulate temperature accurately. You might think you’re running at 22°C, but the room feels warmer—likely due to airflow obstructions or low refrigerant levels.

Professional air conditioning services include:

• Thermostat calibration to ensure accuracy.
• Filter & coil cleaning for optimal airflow.
• Refrigerant level checks to prevent cooling issues.
• Inspection of fan motors & electrical components for safe operation.

With scheduled servicing, your system can maintain your preferred temperature consistently throughout the year.

Many people unintentionally misuse their air conditioning, leading to inflated energy bills and decreased system lifespan. These habits are easy to fall into but also easy to fix.

Mistakes to avoid:

• Setting temperatures below 20°C during a hot day (it doesn’t cool faster).
• Running the AC with windows or doors open.
• Ignoring dirty filters or warning lights.
• Not scheduling regular maintenance checks.



A reliable service technician can identify and resolve these issues during a routine inspection.

At Coolrite Air Conditioning, we help you take the guesswork out of climate control. Whether you need help finding the ideal setting, upgrading your thermostat, or maintaining your unit, we offer reliable air conditioner servicing in Newcastle to keep your system working efficiently—whatever the weather brings.

Ready to make your home or business more comfortable? Give us a call or get in touch via our contact page to book a consultation or routine air conditioner service in Newcastle today.