AC Temperature Chart: Best Settings for Comfort & Energy Savings

When I purchased my first air conditioner, I struggled a lot to understand the ideal AC temperature.

I even believed that keeping the temperature as low as possible would provide the best cooling comfort during peak summers.

But I was using it wrong. Setting your AC to low temperatures, such as 16°C or 18°C, won’t cool your room faster; it will only increase energy consumption.

Ideally, you should set the AC to 24-26°C for optimal cooling and energy efficiency.

Setting the right AC temperature is important for comfort, energy savings, and the longevity of your air conditioner.

If you are facing the same issues as I did back then, don’t worry.

Today, in this guide, I will share a detailed AC temperature chart based on seasons, time of day, specific needs, and regional variations in India.

Without wasting any time, let’s get started.

AC Temperature Chart for Different Situations

Keeping the AC above 24°C ensures a comfortable temperature while reducing electricity bills.

Peak Summer Days and AC Usage in Indian Metro Cities

During peak summer months (April to June), temperatures soar across India. Depending on the humidity levels, choosing the right AC mode is essential for maintaining comfort.

Understanding AC Modes and Their Functions

In the table above, I have mentioned some AC modes you can use for different needs. To understand them in detail, let’s go through them one by one.

• Cool Mode: Best for dry heat conditions like Delhi and Hyderabad.
• Dry Mode: Removes excess moisture, ideal for humid cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai.
• Energy-Saving Mode: Automatically adjusts cooling based on room temperature, useful for mild summers.
• Fan Mode: Circulates air without cooling, helpful in mild weather.
• Auto Mode: Adjusts temperature and fan speed automatically for balanced cooling.
• Eco Mode: Reduces power consumption, ideal for energy savings.
• Sleep Mode: Gradually adjusts temperature for comfort while sleeping.
• Heating Mode: Keeps your room warm without consuming much energy, ideal for winters.

Does AC Temperature Vary on Humid vs. Dry Days?

Simply put, yes. You must select the optimum temperature along with the ideal mode. This will help you achieve the best comfort while also saving money on electricity bills.

Humidity makes the air feel warmer, and using a dehumidifier removes moisture, providing better comfort compared to just running your AC at 18°C.

However, on dry days, cooling is easier. You only need to use the normal cooling mode with the AC set to 24-25°C.

Also, read our blog post about the Best Temperature for Dry Mode in an Air Conditioner.

Best AC Temperature for Different Seasons

Earlier, I mentioned the peak summer months along with the optimum AC mode and temperatures for different cities. But what about other seasons, such as winter and the rainy season?

For Winters

Unlike summer, in winter, we seek warmth rather than cooling. Air conditioners have a heating mode, which keeps your room warm without consuming too much energy.

If you are using Heating Mode, ideally set the temperature to 20-22°C for absolute comfort and warmth, even on the coldest winter days.

For the Rainy Season

Humidity is one of the main reasons for an uncomfortably warm environment. It makes the air feel even hotter. Even outside the rainy season, cities like Mumbai experience high humidity, making it difficult to stay comfortable.

In such conditions, it is recommended to set the AC to 24-26°C with the dehumidifier mode on for the best comfort.

AC Temperature Chart for Different Needs

Now, let’s talk about the ideal AC temperatures for different needs.

1. Best AC Temperature for Sleeping

The ideal AC temperature for sleeping is 24-25°C. Most air conditioners also come with a Sleep Mode, which helps prevent the room from getting too cold overnight.

2. Best AC Temperature for Energy Savings

Running an air conditioner can significantly impact your electricity bills, so it’s essential to use it wisely.

For maximum energy efficiency, set your AC to 26°C.

Note: According to an article from Udit Bee India, every 1°C increase in AC temperature can save up to 6% on your electricity bill.

3. Best AC Temperature for Babies & the Elderly

For babies or elderly family members, it’s recommended to keep the AC at 25-26°C to prevent sudden temperature fluctuations and maintain comfort.

Energy-Saving Tips for AC Users

✔ Set the AC to 26°C to save up to 30% on electricity.
✔ Use Dry Mode instead of lowering the temperature in humid conditions.
✔ Turn off the AC 10-15 minutes before leaving the room to save energy.
✔ Close windows & doors to maintain cool air inside.
✔ Use ceiling fans to circulate cool air and reduce AC usage.

Final Words on Setting the Right AC Temperature

To sum up, always keep your AC between 24-26°C for optimal and comfortable usage.

Choose the right mode based on your needs—for example, Dry Mode if the air feels sticky and Normal Cooling Mode on hot days.

You should also avoid setting the temperature below 22°C, as it only increases energy consumption.

That said, comfort varies from person to person—some feel comfortable at 25°C, while others prefer 23°C. Adjust your AC temperature accordingly to suit your preference.

I hope you found this blog post on ac temperature chart helpful! If you have any doubts, feel free to ask in the comments.

Also, read:

• LG vs Lloyd AC: Which One is a Smart Investment?
• Is air conditioner good for Fever​? The Truth Revealed!