What is the Best Air Conditioner Temperature for Sleeping?

Queensland is pretty well known for its heat. Even in the mildest summers, we can expect temperatures in the mid-thirties pretty much state-wide. It’s no surprise, then, that come September, the air conditioners are switched on across the state. Everyone has their preferred temperatures, too. There are those who like the cave-like feel of a dark room air conditioned at 18 degrees. Then there are those who prefer a more modest temperature of 25 degrees – even in the depths of summer.

Basically, when it comes to the best air conditioner temperature for sleeping, everyone has their thoughts. But finding that best temperature for sleeping actually involves a bit of thought about the pros and cons of your air conditioner. So let’s take a look at those.

Colder might feel better, but the best air conditioner temperature for sleeping isn’t the lowest

There are plenty who think that when it comes to sleeping, the lowest air conditioner temperatures are best. And there is certainly something to be said for that. The refreshing feeling of stepping out of the heat and into an icebox is hard to beat. But its effect on your sleep mightn’t be what you’re hoping for. Air conditioners remove a lot of moisture from the air, which is a large part of their appeal. But when combined with cold temperatures for prolonged periods, that can have a slightly unsettling effect on your respiratory system. You may wake with a sore, dry throat, or you may even wake short of breath if you’re prone to respiratory conditions. And without a steady flow of oxygen, you will likely wake feeling fatigued, as well. Our advice: choose a slightly higher temperature than 18 degrees!

Let’s take a look at the cost of running the lowest air conditioner temperature for sleeping

18 degrees is the lowest temperature that most air conditioners offer. And it might not seem all that low in the scheme of things, especially if ambient temperatures are relatively low as well. But the truth is, every degree you lower your air conditioner’s temperature equates to a large increase in power consumption. The average air conditioner has a cooling capacity of about 5kW, and, at 18 degrees Celsius, that amounts to 40 cents per hour. However, when the ambient temperature is higher, your air con has to work much, much harder. When it does, the hourly cost of running your air conditioner can increase significantly.

Now let’s compare the cost of sleeping with the best, and higher, air conditioner temperatures

Take the example above, using a 5kW cooling capacity unit, and consider it at 25 degrees. At 25 degrees Celsius, your air conditioner will run at a cost of just 25 cents per hour. But why 25? 25 degrees is widely regarded as the best combination of comfort and efficiency. Running an air conditioner at 25 degrees gives you adequate comfort, at the least objectionable cost. Accordingly, we’ve deemed it the best air conditioner temperature for sleeping!

Remember, the best air conditioner temperature for sleeping is also the one that saves you money

Say you hate summer – you just want your room as cold as possible. Surely there’s no harm in turning your air conditioner right down. Well, maybe not in an immediate sense. Chances are, in fact, that you’ll have a great night’s sleep. But when you weigh it all up, the answer may not be so. There’s a high monetary cost to running air conditioners at low temperatures. Then there’s the environmental cost of all that added power consumption. And to top it off, there’s the prospect of respiratory symptoms. Our advice: stick to 25 degrees for sleeping!