It’s winter. The mornings are cold, the nights are crisp, and you’re hovering over the remote wondering: what temperature should I actually set this thing to?
If you’re running a reverse-cycle system, getting your winter air conditioning settings right can make a big difference — especially on the Sunshine Coast. There’s a sweet spot that keeps you cosy, all without hammering your power bill. Here’s how to find it.
The Ideal Winter Temperature for Your AC
Most energy experts agree the ideal winter air con setting sits between 18°C and 20°C. For Queensland homes, that’s usually more than enough to take the chill off without overheating the room.
If your system has an energy-saving or eco mode, now’s the time to use it. A steady, modest temperature is better than constantly raising and lowering the thermostat.
Pro tip: Each degree above 20°C can increase your energy use by up to 10%. Set it higher, and you’ll pay for it.
Avoid the “Toasty Trap” with Winter Air Conditioning
It’s tempting to crank the heat and bask like a lizard. But that warm blast comes at a cost — especially if your home isn’t well insulated.
Instead, aim for comfortable, not tropical. Add a jumper. Use a throw rug on the couch. Focus on heating the rooms you actually use, not the whole house.
Use Your System Smartly
Getting the temp right is only half the equation. Here’s how to run your AC efficiently in winter:
- Close doors and windows: Allow the warm air to stay where it should
- Insulate gaps: Use draft stoppers or even a rolled-up towel under the door helps. I would even go a step further and use gap filler (floors, windows, doors and other breaches in your home’s thermal envelope).
- Use timers or scheduling: Warm the room before you wake up, not after
- Run during the warmest part of the day: It’s easier and cheaper to maintain warmth than generate it from cold
Even small changes in how you use your system can make a noticeable difference in comfort and cost.
Remember: Setting the right temperature in winter can save energy and keep you comfortable.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how absolutely game-changing it is to have solar power (with our without batteries) to help you power your home. You will definitely feel more independent, less reliant on the grid. Most importantly for me and all my SWIFT Solar clients, is that you feel absolutely no guilt in switching on the aircon when you need it. There’s no need to suffer when it’s icy or even boiling hot outside.
Should You Switch to a New System?
If your current reverse-cycle unit is 10+ years old, it’s possibly time for an upgrade. Newer models are far more efficient, quieter, and better at maintaining even temperatures.
You’ll often see that reflected in lower power bills. Especially if you run your AC most days during winter.
Winter Air Conditioning
There’s no magic number that suits every house, but if you’re sitting somewhere between 18°C and 20°C, you’re in the zone.
Want help selecting or servicing a system that keeps you comfortable all year round? Swift Solar & Electrical installs energy-efficient split systems built for Queensland conditions. Call us on 0422 251 734 for a personalised recommendation based on your needs.
