As the colder months arrive in Australia, many people wonder what air conditioner setting offers the best warmth without sending energy bills through the roof. For most homes, a temperature range of 18°C to 20°C is ideal during winter.
Rather than cranking up the heat, the aim is to stay cosy while keeping your system running efficiently. Selecting the right temperature not only helps maintain indoor comfort, but also supports the long-term health of your unit and reduces unnecessary power use.
There are several key reasons why this matters:
- Consistent indoor comfort
- Better energy usage
- Reliable system performance
In this article, we’ll explore how to make the most of your reverse cycle air conditioner across different regions in Australia, with practical advice tailored to winter conditions.
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Setting Yourself up for Comfort
Choosing the right temperature for your air conditioning during winter in Australia can make a big difference in how comfortable your home feels and how much energy you use. A good rule of thumb is to keep your system set between 18°C and 20°C.
This temperature range provides enough warmth to stay comfortable without putting too much pressure on your air conditioner or increasing power costs unnecessarily.
Since Australia spans several climate zones, the best winter setting isn’t the same everywhere. In the next section, we’ll break down ideal aircon temperatures based on region to help you fine-tune your settings to suit your local weather.
Regional Guide to Winter Air Conditioner Settings Across Australia
Brisbane – Subtropical Climate
With Brisbane’s warm and humid subtropical conditions, a winter temperature setting of around 20°C is usually enough to keep your home comfortable. This level of warmth supports both comfort and energy-saving goals without putting too much strain on your unit.
Northern Australia – Tropical Regions
In places like North Queensland, the Northern Territory, and North Western WA, winters are generally mild. A setting of around 18°C is typically suitable to take the edge off the early morning chill while keeping electricity use under control.
South Australia – Mediterranean Climate
In Adelaide and surrounding areas, where the climate is dry with cool winters, 20°C is a reliable setting for staying warm indoors without pushing your air conditioner too hard.
Central Australia – Arid Climate
Desert regions in the country’s centre experience cold nights during winter. For these conditions, setting your air conditioner to 18°C can provide enough warmth while still running efficiently in a dry climate.
Tasmania – Cool Temperate Climate
Tasmania’s cooler environment benefits from indoor heating set between 18°C and 20°C. This setting range ensures a snug interior while avoiding excessive energy usage.
Southern Victoria – Oceanic Climate
In southern parts of Victoria, where winters are crisp and damp, 18°C is often the sweet spot. It provides reliable warmth while keeping power bills manageable.
South East NSW, North East VIC & ACT – Temperate Zones
For regions like Canberra, Albury, and the coastal parts of South East NSW, a winter setting between 18°C and 20°C tends to work well. It suits the variable winter temperatures across these temperate zones.
South Western WA – Mediterranean Climate
This part of Western Australia shares a similar climate with South Australia. A winter temperature setting of around 20°C usually offers good comfort and efficiency.
By tailoring your air conditioner settings to suit your local climate, you can stay warm through winter, cut down on energy costs, and reduce the environmental impact of heating your home. Adjusting your thermostat just a couple of degrees can make a big difference — to both your comfort and your power bill.
The Best Temperature for Sleeping
Getting your bedroom temperature right can make a big difference to how well you sleep. Experts generally agree that cooler conditions support better rest, with around 18°C often considered ideal for most adults. That said, everyone’s a bit different — many doctors suggest aiming for anywhere between 15.5°C and 20°C depending on your personal comfort levels.
When it comes to babies, the recommended sleep temperature is a bit warmer. A setting of about 20.5°C is often best to help little ones stay safe and sleep soundly.
Keeping your air conditioner within these ranges can help you drift off more easily and enjoy deeper, more restful sleep. A slightly cooler room helps your body wind down and stabilise its core temperature, which is essential for good sleep quality.
If your bedroom is too warm, you might find it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep — your body can overheat, causing discomfort or tossing and turning. On the other hand, if the room is too cold, you may wake more often as your body tries to stay warm.
Finding the right balance can lead to better sleep and more refreshed mornings. Consider setting your air con to a steady, comfortable temperature before bed to support a peaceful night.
Setting Your Air Conditioning Temperature: Factors to Consider
Choosing the right temperature for your air conditioner isn’t just about comfort — it also affects your energy use, your system’s efficiency, and even your health. Finding the right setting for your space is all about balance.
Below are the key factors to consider when setting a temperature on your air conditioner.
1. Season and Climate
The time of year and your location play a significant role in how your air conditioner should be set. In Australia, climate zones vary greatly — from humid coastal cities like Brisbane to the cooler southern regions of Hobart and Melbourne.
- In summer, setting your air conditioner around 24–26°C helps keep the space cool without overworking the system.
- In winter, the recommended range is 18–20°C for reverse cycle systems. This keeps you warm while maintaining energy efficiency.
Adjusting your settings with the seasons can help maintain comfort and avoid excessive energy use.
2. Personal Comfort Levels
Everyone feels temperature differently. Some people feel the cold more, while others prefer cooler conditions. It’s important to set your air conditioner to a temperature that feels right for you and your household — especially during sleeping hours.
For example, adults generally sleep better in cooler environments, while babies may need a slightly warmer room. Tailoring the settings to individual needs helps everyone stay comfortable.
3. Energy Efficiency Goals
If saving on electricity bills is a priority, you’ll want to avoid extreme temperature settings. Every degree lower in summer (or higher in winter) can increase your energy consumption by 5-10%.
Sticking to the recommended temperature ranges not only helps the environment but also reduces running costs. Using your system efficiently keeps your home comfortable without a spike in your power bill.
4. Room Size and Insulation
The size of your room and its insulation can also impact how your system performs.
- In large open spaces, the air conditioner may need to work harder to reach and maintain your set temperature.
- If your room has poor insulation, the system can lose cool or warm air quickly, making it less efficient and more costly to run.
Good insulation, window coverings, and sealing drafts can help maintain the desired temperature for longer, easing the strain on your unit.
5. Airflow and Zoning
In ducted air conditioning systems, zoning allows you to set different temperatures in different parts of the home. This is helpful if only certain rooms are in use at any given time.
Managing airflow and closing off unused areas helps your air conditioner run more efficiently, as it’s not trying to cool or heat unnecessary spaces.
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the perfect temperature setting. But by considering your climate, comfort, energy usage, and home setup, you can make smarter choices with your air conditioning.
Why Should I Set My Air Conditioner to the Ideal Winter Temperature?
During the cooler months in Australia, it’s tempting to crank up the heat and keep your home toasty warm. But setting your air conditioner too high in winter can do more harm than good.
Choosing the ideal winter temperature — between 18°C and 20°C — offers a range of benefits for both your comfort and your household budget.
1. Keeps You Comfortable Without Overheating
When it’s cold outside, it might seem natural to set your air con to 24°C or higher. But doing so can actually make indoor air feel dry and stuffy, especially overnight.
A winter setting between 18°C and 20°C is warm enough to keep you comfortable, especially when paired with appropriate clothing or blankets.
This range helps your body adjust naturally to the season while still feeling cosy indoors.
2. Improves Energy Efficiency
The higher you set your air conditioner in winter, the more energy it uses — and the higher your electricity bill will be. In fact, each degree above the recommended range can increase your energy use by up to 10%.
Keeping your system within the ideal range helps reduce power consumption. It ensures your air conditioner isn’t working harder than necessary. This is especially important in Brisbane and other parts of Australia, where winter may be short but still sees frequent use of heating.
3. Prevents Overworking Your System
Running your air conditioner at high temperatures for long periods can strain the system. It forces the unit to run continuously to maintain that level of heat, especially in poorly insulated homes.
This added stress can lead to faster wear and tear, more frequent maintenance issues, and a shorter lifespan. Choosing a moderate and efficient temperature setting lets your system work steadily without burning out.
4. Encourages Better Sleep
Sleep experts recommend cooler room temperatures for a good night’s rest. During winter, setting your air conditioner to around 18°C creates the ideal sleep environment.
This helps your body regulate its core temperature and encourages deeper, more restful sleep — especially if you use your system’s timer to adjust settings overnight.
Setting your air conditioner to the ideal winter temperature isn’t just about staying warm — it’s about doing so comfortably, affordably, and efficiently. Sticking to the recommended range of 18°C to 20°C can help you save money, protect your system, and improve your overall comfort during the cooler months.
Preparing for Winter with Hewitt Trade Services
Hewitt Trade Services is the best in the air conditioning installation business in the Brisbane area. We have installed, repaired and serviced thousands of split system and ducted units during 21+ years of business.
Our years of experience give us a laser focus on the most common air conditioning challenges in the Brisbane community. We are highly trained, reliable, professional, efficient and fast.
Our 4.8-star rating from over 330 reviews on Google proves it.
We can help you assess your needs, get a quote and make informed decisions about installing, repairing or servicing your air conditioner. Using a reputable company like Hewitt Trade Services ensures a smooth and satisfactory experience. You can enjoy the benefits of a reliable and efficient air conditioner for years to come.
Are you ready to make an informed decision about your air conditioning, ensuring comfort and efficiency in your home or business for the years to come?
Contact us today for further advice or to book an appointment.
We service the following areas in Brisbane:
Air Conditioning Albion – Air Conditioning Amberly – Air Conditioning Annerley – Air Conditioning Anstead – Air Conditioning Ascot – Air Conditioning Ashgrove – Air Conditioning Aspley – Air Conditioning Augustine Heights – Air Conditioning Bellbowrie – Air Conditioning Boondall – Air Conditioning Booval – Air Conditioning Bowen Hills – Air Conditioning Bracken Ridge – Air Conditioning Bridgeman Downs –Air Conditioning Brisbane – Air Conditioning Brookfield – Air Conditioning Brookside Centre – Air Conditioning Brookwater – Air Conditioning Carole Park – Air Conditioning Carseldine – Air Conditioning Chapel Hill – Air Conditioning Chermside – Air Conditioning Clayfield – Air Conditioning Collingwood Park – Air Conditioning Enoggera – Air Conditioning Everton Park, Air Conditioning Fig Tree Pocket – Air Conditioning Forest Lake – Air Conditioning Gaythorne – Air Conditioning Geebung – Air Conditioning Gordon Park – Air Conditioning Hamilton – Air Conditioning Hendra – Air Conditioning Indooroopilly
