At What Temperature Should You Set the Air Conditioner for Winter?

Winter Setting

• You should switch your air conditioner off and open a window if the outside temperature is below 65 F or 18 C. Ice starts to build up on the condensor coils and outer vents of the AC when the outside air temperature is already cool. You risk damaging the appliance if you continue to use the air conditioning during a cold winter.

Ideal Setting

• The perfect setting that provides the best efficiency and comfort level is 77 F or 25 C. Every degree you set the AC below 77 F uses between 3 and 5 percent more energy. The smaller the diference between the inside and outside temperature, the greater the efficiency of the AC.

Keeping Cool Tips

• Use a fan during the winter if the temperature gets too high; the cost of running a large fan is considerably lower than that of an air conditioner; some AC units can account for up to 50 percent of a home's energy consumption in summer. Running the AC on low and using a fan to circulate air makes cooling your home less expensive during any season.

Energy-saving Tips

• Anything that causes your air conditioner to work harder will cost you money through an increased energy bill. Close all windows and doors, and move any obstructions away from the front grille of the AC unit. Keeping the curtains closed helps to keep out heat. Deliberately setting your air conditioning lower than necessary does not speed up cooling; it simply wastes energy.