Why shouldn’t you set the air conditioner to 26°C at night?

Why You Shouldn’t Set Your AC to 26°C at Night

In summer, many people lower their AC for quick relief, but setting it too cold can cause health problems, waste energy, and strain the system. Experts suggest aligning your AC setting with the day’s high temperature.

If the peak is 34°C, keeping your AC at 26–27°C during the day maintains a healthy 7–8°C difference from outdoors, helping prevent respiratory issues while reducing electricity costs.

While 26°C is comfortable during the day, it’s less ideal at night. When you enter deep sleep, your body naturally cools as metabolism slows. This can make you feel chilled in the early morning, potentially causing discomfort or even illness.

For sleeping, technicians recommend 28°C. It’s warm enough to avoid a night chill but cool enough for restful sleep. It also saves on power usage over the long run.

If 28°C feels too warm, keep it at 26°C but use Sleep Mode. This setting raises the temperature by 1°C after the first hour, and another degree the next hour, ending at 28°C to prevent early-morning cold.

Some complain that 26°C doesn’t cool enough. This can be due to an undersized unit, which struggles even at lower settings. Choosing the right capacity for your room size is crucial.

Other issues include dirty filters, blocked vents, low refrigerant, or compressor faults. Cleaning filters and keeping vents clear can improve performance, while refrigerant or compressor problems require professional attention.

If your AC isn’t cooling at 26°C, check the basics first. If problems persist, call a certified technician to diagnose and fix the issue—keeping your nights both cool and healthy.