25°C is the best temperature to operate the aircon in most of the situations. Air conditioners are important parts of lives of people who live in tropical countries. What is the best temperature to operate the aircon is a common question among the aircon users. Let’s break down this issue and identify the right temperature for aircon in different situations.
What Is the Ideal Temperature for Aircon in Singapore?
The recommended aircon temperature in Singapore and most of the tropical countries is 25°C. This setting offers a good balance between comfort and energy efficiency. The National Environment Agency (NEA) also suggests keeping your aircon at 25°C to help reduce energy usage and protect the environment.
Why 25°C Is Considered the Best
25 degree is considered the best temperature for aircon because it is:
- Comfortable for most people
- Reduces energy consumption
- Prevents the room from getting too cold
- Less pressure on the compressor
25°C may feel slightly warm at first if you’re used to lower settings like 21°C or 22°C. But after a few days, your body can adjust, and you’ll start to feel comfortable.
Why Choosing the Right Temperature Matters
Setting the right temperature for the right situation is important for many reasons. Because, right temperature:
- Reduces electricity bills
- Lowers pressure on the aircon system
- Helps avoid dry skin or sore throat
- Improves sleep quality
- Protects the environment by reducing energy use
In Singapore, many people tend to set their aircon at very low temperatures. But that may not always be the best choice.
Aircon Temperature and Energy Consumption
The lower you set your aircon temperature, the harder the system has to work. That means it uses more electricity. For every degree lower than 25°C, your aircon may use 6–10% more energy.
Example:
- At 25°C: Your aircon runs at normal capacity.
- At 22°C: It consumes more energy to keep cooling.
- At 18°C: The aircon works at maximum capacity almost all the time.
Over time, this leads to higher utility bills and can wear out your aircon faster.
Best Temperature Settings for Different Situations
Although 25 is the ideal situation for most of the cases, let’s find out best aircon temperatures for different situations:
1. For Sleeping
- Best temperature: 24°C to 26°C. Utilizing the sleep mode of the aircon can be a good idea.
- Why: Prevents you from waking up with a cold or sore throat. Also saves electricity overnight.
2. For Working or Studying
- Best temperature: 25°C.
- Why: Keeps you cool without making the room too cold. Helps maintain focus and comfort.
3. For Children or Elderly
- Best temperature: 25°C to 26°C. Use fan mode if the outside temperature is not that much.
- Why: Children and seniors are more sensitive to cold. A warmer setting is safer for them.
4. After Exercise or Outdoor Activity
- Best temperature: 24°C.
- Why: Helps you cool down quickly.
Tips to Stay Cool at 25°C
If you feel 25 is warmer, below are a few tips to stay comfortable:
Use a Ceiling or Table Fan
It helps circulate the air and makes it feel cooler. It allows you to use a higher aircon temperature and staying comfortable as well.
Close Curtains or Blinds
These elements blocks sunlight, keeping the room from heating up.
Seal Doors and Windows
Sealing doors and windows properly will prevent cool air from escaping and warm air from entering.
Set Aircon Fan Speed to Medium or High
Aircon fans will move the cool air around the room more effectively.
Use Dry Mode
If humidity is high, use dry mode to remove humidity. It gives a cooler feel, especially in the afternoon.
Aircon Maintenance and Cooling Efficiency
Even the best temperature won’t help if your aircon isn’t clean or working properly. Regular maintenance ensures the system works efficiently at 25°C or any setting.
What You Can Do:
- Clean the filter every 2–4 weeks
- Check and clean the outdoor unit every few months
- Schedule a professional aircon servicing every 6 months
Smart Thermostats and Temperature Control
Smart thermostats can help maintain a stable 25°C by automatically adjusting settings. Some can even sense when no one is in the room and turn off the aircon to save power.
If you’re away during the day, you can set the aircon to turn on 30 minutes before you return. This way, your room is cool without running the system all day.
Should You Set the Aircon Lower Than 25°C?
It depends on your needs. Some people feel more comfortable at 23°C, especially in humid weather. But regularly setting the aircon below 22°C can lead to:
- Higher energy bills
- Dry skin and throat
- Temperature differences when stepping outside
- Shorter aircon lifespan
Unless you have a health reason or a specific comfort preference, it’s better to stick to 24°C–26°C.
Government Suggestions and Eco-Friendly Habits
NEA ( Singapore) promotes the Energy-Saving Aircon Temperature of 25°C as part of its Go Green initiatives. Using this temperature:
- Cuts carbon emissions
- Reduces pressure on the national grid
- Supports long-term environmental goals
Even small changes in daily habits, like setting a slightly higher temperature, can make a big difference.
FAQ
What is the best temperature to set the aircon in Singapore?
The best temperature is 25°C. It balances comfort and energy use.
Is 18°C too cold for Singapore?
Yes. 18°C uses much more electricity and can be too cold, especially if you’re sleeping or staying indoors for long periods.
Does setting the aircon at 25°C save money?
Yes. It helps reduce energy bills and lowers the strain on the aircon unit.
Can I use a fan with the aircon?
Yes. A fan helps spread the cool air better and allows you to keep the aircon at a higher setting.
What aircon mode should I use at night?
You can use sleep mode or set the temperature to 24°C to 26°C for better rest.
