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Ideal air conditioning temperature

Well-being for you and the environment

What is the ideal air conditioning temperature? This question was answered in the Spanish Royal Decree-law 14/2022, of August 1, on energy saving and air conditioning management. This legislation establishes the temperature limits for both heating and coolingn with the aim of promoting energy saving and the efficient management of our resources.

The correct air conditioning temperature for cooling in public buildings, commercial establishments, cultural spaces, stations, and airports shouldn't surpass 19ºC in winter or drop below 27ºC in summer.

It is a measure that seeks to ensure the thermal comfort of people, as well as minimize energy consumption and reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions (GhG) associated with air conditioning.

This is one of the actions undertaken by the member countries of the European Union (EU) to reduce gas consumption and promote responsible consumption habits. In 2022, the EU reached an important agreement in this regard, recognizing the need to adopt measures that contribute to mitigating climate change and preserving our planet for future generations.

What is the ideal air conditioning temperature?

The question of what temperature to set the air conditioning to constantly arises, as more and more people are concerned about consuming responsibly in order to care for and preserve the environment.

air conditioning remote at 24 degrees

Ideal air conditioning temperature in summer

The ideal air conditioning temperature in summer is between 24ºC and 26ºC. It is important to bear in mind two aspects when setting the temperature during this season.

On the one hand, when outside temperatures are especially high, you must avoid a difference of more than 12ºC between the inside and outside temperature. Too great a variation can affect health and lead to cold symptoms. On the other hand, it is advisable to direct the cold air flow upwards, as it is denser than warm air and therefore tends to descend. By directing the airflow upwards, a better circulation of fresh air in the room is achieved.

air conditioning remote at 20 degrees

Ideal air conditioning temperature in winter

The ideal air conditioning temperature in winter varies between 20ºC and 22ºC. This makes it possible to compensate for the outside temperature without generating a cold sensation in the home.

As well as the different types of heating available to heat the room during this time of year, it is also possible to use air conditioning units, as many of them have heat generators to heat the home.

During the night, it is recommended to program the air conditioning to heat the home around one hour before going to bed, maintaining a temperature between 15ºC and 17ºC. It is important to bear in mind that the hot air outlet direction should be downward, since its natural tendency is to rise. 

 

How to save by configuring the air conditioning of our home

Consumers are increasingly interested in heating and cooling their homes with energy saving plans. To do so, it is important to follow some key pieces of advice. Firstly, it is essential to choose an energy rate suitable to the specific needs of the home, which will allow you to optimize energy costs.

After choosing the most suitable rate, configuring the ideal air conditioning temperature plays a crucial role in energy saving. To do this, you can:

Set the temperature

Appropriately setting it not only influences consumption, but also allows you to reduce the price of your electricity bill. It is recommended to establish a comfortable but moderate temperature, avoiding extremes that unnecessarily increase energy consumption. 

Use the ECO mode

Choosing the ideal air conditioning temperature to save is possible by using the ECO mode that majority of units offer. By activating this option, the performance of the equipment is optimized and electricity consumption is reduced without compromising comfort.

Combine air conditioning with fans

An effective strategy to distribute the cold air more efficiently is combining the use of fans with the air conditioning. Fans help to circulate the fresh air around the whole room, allowing greater comfort with the possibility of setting the air conditioning temperature at a slightly higher level.

Program the air conditioning

Programming and the use of smart thermostats are very useful tools to save energy. These options allow you to set specific times and temperatures according to the needs of each moment, avoiding unnecessary consumption when air conditioning is not required.

What is the cheapest time to put on the air conditioning?

Guidelines for identifying the hours when it is most economical to run the air conditioning:

Pictograma Reciclaje

Off-peak or night rate

In electricity rates, especially in the hourly discrimination plans, there are periods known as "off-peak hours" or "night rate" in which the cost of electricity is lower.

Pictograma Reciclaje

Hours of lower energy demand

In the hours of lower electricity demand, the prices are lower because of surplus electrical capacity in the grid. These times are usually early in the day or early morning.

Is it good to leave the air conditioning on all night to sleep?

Although it is possible to leave the air conditioning on during the night, it is important to take certain precautions to ensure that its use isn't harmful to your health.

It is recommended to follow these guidelines on how much to set the air conditioning at:

 
  1. Before going to sleep, the air conditioning temperature must be regulated so that it varies between 24ºC - 26ºC in summer and between 15ºC - 17ºC in winter. The environment will be suitable, without exposing your body to sudden changes that may adversely affect it.

  2. It is important to avoid directing the air flow directly towards the place of rest, as this could cause thermal shock and lead to discomfort such as sore throat or muscle aches.

  3. The majority of air conditioning units have a night mode especially designed for use during rest. This mode usually sets the temperature and the speed of the fan automatically to provide a quieter and more comfortable environment while minimizing energy consumption.

  4. It is recommended to use a timer to program the air conditioning to turn off automatically once it has reached the desired temperature or after a certain period of time.