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Finding the Balance Between Comfort and Cost

Choosing the right AC temperature is crucial for Indian homes – it directly affects your comfort and your electricity bill.

Too low, and you’ll shiver while racking up high electricity bills. Too high, and you’ll feel hot and uncomfortable.

What's the best temperature for AC in India? — What’s the best temperature for AC in India?

This useful guide aims to help you find what the best temperature setting for AC is in India.

So what temperature is good for AC in India?
The Ideal Range: 24°C to 27°C

Most experts recommend a temperature range between 24°C and 27°C for Indian conditions.

While 27°C may seem too high and not cool enough, your AC at that temperature requires less resources.

AC Star Ratings in India: How to Save Money on Electricity Bills

A useful tip is to let the AC ‘pre-cool’ for about 10 minutes at a lower temperature setting.

You can then start increasing the temperature setting between 24°C and 27°C once it’s cool enough.

This strikes a good balance between staying cool and conserving energy.

Factors Influencing Ideal AC Temperature

Climate Zone: India’s diverse climate plays a big role. Hot and humid coastal areas might need lower AC settings compared to drier inland regions.
Time of Day: During peak heat hours of the afternoon, you might need a slightly lower temperature. Evenings and nights can often work with higher setpoints.
Personal Preference: Comfort is subjective. Some people naturally run hotter or colder than others.
Room Insulation: Well-insulated rooms retain cool air better, allowing you to keep the temperature slightly higher while staying comfortable.

Best AC Temperature Settings for Major Indian Metros

The ideal AC temperature can vary slightly between India’s diverse cities. Here’s a general guide:

Bangalore: Due to its moderate climate, Bangalore residents can generally set AC temperatures between 25-27°C for optimal comfort.
Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai: These coastal cities experience hot and humid weather. AC temperatures between 24-26°C might be necessary for comfort.
Delhi: With scorching summers, Delhi may necessitate slightly lower settings than Bangalore, around 24-26°C, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Kolkata: Similar to other coastal cities, maintaining a temperature between 24- 26°C should provide good comfort in Kolkata.

Important Note: These are starting points. Factors like personal preference, time of day, and room insulation still play a significant role in determining your ideal setting.

We also recommend using smart fans along with your AC to reduce the electricity consumption but also provide good cooling for your room.

AC Temperature Setting Recommendations for Specific Conditions

Coastal areas in India: The combination of heat and humidity near the coast often necessitates an AC setting between 24-26°C for most people. Consider using a dehumidifier in conjunction with your AC for enhanced comfort.
Hills in India: Hill stations generally experience cooler climates. Even during summer, you might find that temperatures around 26-28°C are perfectly comfortable. In some cases, you may not even need an AC frequently.
ACs that are very close to bright lights: If your AC is positioned near bright lights or windows with direct sunlight, it may need to work harder to maintain the set temperature. Consider setting the temperature a degree or two lower to compensate.
ACs in open rooms: For ACs cooling large, open-plan spaces, you may need a slightly lower temperature setting to ensure even cooling throughout the area. Adjust based on how cool you want the farthest point of the open space to be.

Remember: Experiment within these ranges to find the setting that delivers the best mix of comfort and energy savings for your specific circumstances.

Understanding the Impact on Electricity Bill

Every degree you lower your AC temperature can increase energy usage by roughly 6%. Here’s a simplified example:

Setting your AC at 24°C for 8 hours daily might cost Rs. 500 per month.
That same AC at 22°C could cost approximately Rs. 600 per month.

The difference might seem small, but it adds up over the entire summer. Consider these other tips on how to have the right settings for your AC to save on electricity bills.

Tips for Balancing Comfort and Savings

Start with 25°C: Begin at 25°C and gradually decrease if needed. You might find this perfectly comfortable, preventing unnecessary energy wastage.
Utilize Fans: Fans improve air circulation, making you feel cooler even at slightly higher temperatures. We would recommend smart fans that you can remotely control even when you’re not at home
Invest in a Smart AC: Models with Wi-Fi control allow you to remotely adjust settings, saving energy if you unexpectedly leave the house.
Choose the Right AC Size: An undersized AC constantly runs at full blast to compensate, leading to high bills. A correctly sized AC cycles on and off efficiently. (Find helpful resources on Choosing the Best Size AC in India).
Focus on Energy Star Ratings ACs with higher star ratings consume less electricity for the same cooling power. Learn more about [Understanding AC Star Ratings].
Regular Maintenance: Dirty filters and clogged coils make your AC work harder. Cleaning ensures peak efficiency.

FAQs: AC Temperature Settings and Efficiency

Is 18 degrees cold for AC?

Yes, 18 degrees is considered quite cold for an AC setting, especially in Indian climates. Setting the AC this low can significantly increase energy consumption and costs.

Is 27 degrees good for AC?

For many people, 27 degrees is a comfortable and energy-efficient setting for an AC during the daytime in a hot climate. It helps in reducing electricity bills while providing a moderate indoor environment.

Is 24 degrees good for AC?

Yes, 24 degrees is often recommended as the ideal AC temperature for balancing comfort and energy efficiency. It’s considered optimal for both health and environmental reasons.

Is 24°C hot or cold?

24°C is generally considered a comfortable room temperature, neither too hot nor too cold. It’s ideal for maintaining a pleasant living environment.

Is 28 degrees good for AC?

Setting the AC to 28 degrees can be too warm for some, especially in humid conditions. However, it’s an energy-efficient setting for mild weather or during the cooler parts of the day.

What is colder: 16 or 24?

16 is colder than 24. The lower the temperature setting, the colder the air output from the AC.

Is 20°C hot or cold?

20°C is generally considered slightly cool, especially inside homes. It can be a comfortable setting for sleeping but might be too cold for some during the day.

Which is colder: 15°C or 23°C?

15°C is colder than 23°C. Lower temperature settings result in cooler air output from the AC.

How can I reduce my AC bill?

Increase your AC temperature setting to around 24-25°C.
Use ceiling fans to distribute cooled air more efficiently.
Ensure regular maintenance of your AC to keep it running efficiently.
Install energy-efficient window treatments to reduce heat gain.
Consider using a programmable thermostat.

Does AC at 27 consume less electricity?

Yes, setting your AC to 27 degrees typically consumes less electricity than lower settings because the AC works less to cool the room to this temperature.

Is AC good for heart patients?

While AC can provide relief from heat, heart patients need to avoid extreme temperature differences. A moderate setting like 24°C is advisable. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Is 22 degrees good for AC?

Setting the AC to 22 degrees provides a cool environment but is less energy-efficient than higher temperature settings. It can also increase your electricity bill.

Is 25 degrees hot for AC?

For most people, 25 degrees is a comfortable and energy-efficient setting for an AC. It strikes a good balance between cooling and energy usage.

Is 29 degrees good for AC?

Setting the AC to 29 degrees might be too warm for comfort during peak summer heat, especially in humid regions. It is, however, more energy-efficient.

By understanding how different temperature settings impact your comfort, health, and wallet, you can make more informed decisions about your AC usage. Balancing the need for cool air with energy efficiency is key to enjoying a comfortable home environment while managing costs effectively.

Key Takeaways for the Ideal temperature for your AC

Optimal Setting: Maintaining your AC at 24°C is an effective way to balance comfort with energy efficiency and cost savings.
Energy Savings: Small adjustments in temperature settings can lead to substantial savings over time, both in terms of energy consumption and costs.
Economic and Environmental Benefits: Energy-efficient practices contribute to reduced electricity bills and environmental sustainability by lowering carbon emissions associated with power generation.

Additional Comfort Measures

Staying Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps your body regulate temperature.
Shading Windows: Block direct sunlight with curtains or blinds to reduce the heat entering the room. Recommendations for blackout curtains
Choosing Light Clothes Wear loose, breathable fabrics like cotton.

References:

How to control air conditioner temperature at home

What is the best temperature for your AC?