What Temperature Should I Set My Air Conditioner in Winter?

Many homeowners are left wondering, ‘What is the ideal air conditioner winter temperature settings?’ Finding the right balance can be tricky, like you want it warm enough to stay comfortable throughout the day and night without overheating your home, driving up your energy bills, or wasting electricity.

Let’s cut through the confusion and explore the best winter temperature for your air conditioner to be efficient while staying cosy and saving money.

Why Air Conditioner Temperature Settings Matter in Winter

Setting the air conditioner temperature during winter plays a major role for every homeowner in Australia like too warm can make the air dry, so you feel uncomfortable, while having too cold a temp feels like you’ll never be truly cosy. And you thought that each degree higher can significantly increase your energy usage, or overworking your air conditioner may result in decreasing its lifespan.

But don’t worry, we’ll get you through the never-ending dilemma of your air con temperature during this winter season. A small change in settings could save you hundreds annually. Here’s what you need to learn to help keep your comfort.

Ideal Air Conditioner Temperature for Winter

Your Local Tradesman believes winter comfort shouldn't come with a hefty price tag. That’s why our HVAC specialists recommend a smart and balanced approach to heating your home while keeping comfort. So, what’s the magic number? 18°C to 20°C is the sweet spot and an ideal air conditioner winter temperature setting.

It keeps your living spaces comfortably warm without overloading your system or blowing out your budget. We’ve seen firsthand how sticking to 18 to 20°C helps our clients stay cosy, slash energy bills, and keep their systems running efficiently all season long. It’s a small tweak that makes a big difference.

How to Use Heating Mode Effectively

With reverse cycle air conditioning being one of the most efficient ways to heat Australian homes by switching it to heating mode during winter. This setting helps you draw the heat from the outside air and efficiently warm your home even in cold weather. Some tips to maximise heating mode is to use ceiling fans on reverse to circulate warm air downwards and close curtains and windows to trap the heat inside.

Energy-Efficient Air Conditioner Settings for Winter

Want to reduce energy bills with your aircon this winter? Here’s what you need to know to set up your air con during winter:

• You should stick with temperature of 18–20°C. It helps to avoid the temptation to go higher.
• Close all windows and doors to trap the cool or warm air inside your home. Block any drafts around doors and windows.
• Use timers and smart thermostats like heat only when needed or in the rooms you’re using.
• Maintaining clean filters regularly. Dirty filters may force your system to work harder.
• Close off unused spaces so you don’t waste energy heating empty rooms.

What Happens If You Set It Too High?

As a matter of fact, every degree above 20°C could spike your energy consumption by up to 10%! That means setting your air conditioner to 24°C could be quietly costing you hundreds each winter.

Cranking your air conditioner to 24–26°C might feel luxurious, but it’s not sustainable. Experts warn that this can increase your energy bills. It will also lead to dry air and respiratory irritation that causes uneven room temperatures and ends up shortening your air conditioner’s lifespan.

Should I Use My Air Conditioner at Night in Winter?

Yes, you can, but set it wisely. For sleeping, the recommended thermostat setting is 17–18°C. This supports your body’s natural temperature drop at night and promotes restful sleep. It helps you rest better without thinking of overheating. To save energy and avoid running the unit all night, here are a few smart tips:

• Set a timer so the unit switches off after you fall asleep.
• Layer up with cosy blankets instead of cranking up the heat.
• Use thermal curtains to help trap warmth inside the room.

With these small adjustments, you can stay warm and comfortable without skyrocketing your energy bills during winter.

Servicing Your Air Conditioner for Winter

A well-maintained air conditioner doesn’t just perform better it saves you money and keeps your home consistently comfortable. Your Local Tradesman provides affordable, expert air conditioner servicing across Adelaide and surrounding suburbs. Don’t wait until the next cold snap to discover your system isn’t winter-ready. It’s smart to schedule a professional tune-up to ensure your system runs smoothly when you need it most and stays warm all season long.

Final Thoughts: Your Winter Aircon Game Plan

When it comes to staying warm in the cooler months, finding the right air conditioner winter temperature setting is key. For most Australian homes, setting your aircon between 18°C and 20°C keeps things cosy without blowing out your power bill. Keep your system in top condition by making the most of your heating mode, like sealing up drafts and using smart features like setting timers. Plus, simple habits can help you maintain comfort that includes closing curtains at night, layering up, and scheduling regular servicing, which can go a long way in creating an energy-efficient air conditioning setting for winter.

Need help this winter? Whether it’s a quick service, temperature advice, or full installation, Your Local Tradesman is here to help. We’re your go-to team for trusted, expert air conditioning support Adelaide-wide.