Do you have an AC at home?

Yes, and we run it from March through November every year, some years we've had to turn it on in February

One does not simply, not own an aircon in Sydney...

I do have an AC, and I like to keep the temps in the mid-upper 70s indoors in summer.

No, we also don't have any ceiling fans.

Yes, but I don't use it most days in summer

Yes it is essential here for most of the year. While plenty of spring and autumn days are fairly comfortable there are still plenty of uncomfortably hot days. We are renting while we build at the moment so we only have one A/C in this house however it is most certainly not enough. Ducted A/C is now common in most newbuilds

Funny enough in winter we actually use A/C in reverse here in Perth, mainly at night and the early morning. In fact I have it on heating right now lol. The reason for this Is due to how poorly homes are built here in terms of insulation. The temperature inside quickly becomes similar to the temperature outside without any form of climate control. This is why there is only around 2 months of the year when it isn't needed at all day or night. We mostly use Air conditioning and then over winter it's heating. Now of course this may just be the house I'm renting and my new build might be better but this rental is still fairly new so I'm not sure. Standards here are certainly not up to the same level as Europe and Canada. Double glazing is not even a standard here. 

My AC is set to 74F during the day and 68F at night on a schedule year round. Heater is set to 68F during the day and 62F at night. System operates automatically.

OK all you AC pussies... take note !!

What is the most energy-efficient aircon temperature this summer?
( source: Weatherzone )


We're well into summer, and the air conditionings are blasting nationwide after what has been the fourth-warmest December on record.

Many may have heard the spiel of the “18-21ºC” range being the best or most efficient. But this is not entirely true. In fact, the most energy efficient temperature ranges are entirely in the 20's range. Turns out, every degree increase in temperature can save up to 10% on energy usage.

The climate is a large factor in determining the most efficient temperature for your air con. Australia is split into many differing climate zones, shown in the map.

Starting in the tropics, it's important to have an efficient setting to regulate the oppressive summertime humidity, since the air conditioner will likely be running most of the time. To rest easy, a temperature setting of 22-25ºC is the most efficient range.

Across most of central Australia, the arid to semi-arid climates, characterised by harsh, dry and often dusty summers mean filters must be checked regularly. In these areas, the most efficient temperature setting is between 21-23ºC.

Moving to subtropical parts of southeast Queensland and elevated New South Wales, the most efficient temperature setting is between 24-25ºC. These areas can still receive muggy and humid summers, so whilst this range might be surprisingly high, it means the system will not have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Oceanic climates of the southeast corner can have some of the most varied weather conditions in summer, being both elevated and inland. In these areas, the most efficient temperature setting is between 26-27ºC. Parts of southern Victoria may experience heatwave conditions, so in these instances, 23-24ºC is efficient but also comfortable.

Finally, for Mediterranean climates along the Bight and southwest coasts, drier summers mean humidity is nowhere near as oppressive. Summertime air conditioning is most efficient when the dial is between 23-24ºC.