What’s the Best Aircon Temperature for Winter in Adelaide?
You’ve just rolled out of bed, flicked your aircon to ‘heat’, and set it to a cosy 24°C. Twenty minutes later? Still feels like you’re breathing in the fridge.
If your reverse cycle air conditioner isn’t delivering the warmth you expected this winter, don’t be too quick to blame the weather. Sometimes, it’s the settings. Other times, it’s the system itself. Let’s learn the best temperature for winter comfort in Adelaide (and why it might not be working for you).
The Ideal Winter Temperature (According to the Experts)
Most energy efficiency authorities (and HVAC nerds) agree: 18 to 20°C is the sweet spot for reverse cycle heating in winter. It’s warm enough to stay comfortable and low enough to avoid sending your power bill into orbit.
In Adelaide, winter daytime temps hover around 16°C and dip to 7 – 8°C overnight. Setting your system to 19°C often hits that balance between comfort and cost. Anything over 21°C? That’s usually overkill – your electricity bill will agree.
But What If You’re Still Cold at 20°C?
Here’s where it gets tricky. Even if your settings are spot on, your system might be struggling to hit the target. Some of the usual suspects:
1. Your Filters Are Dirty
When filters are clogged with dust, your system works harder to push air through. Hence, less warm air actually reaches you. You’ll get weak airflow and patchy heating, even at higher temps.
2. The Unit’s in the Wrong Mode
Yes, it happens. You think it’s in heat mode, but it’s still stuck in cool or auto. Always check the remote. Make sure it’s the sun icon, not the snowflake.
3. The Outdoor Unit Is Blocked
Even in heating mode, your system pulls heat from outside air. If the outdoor unit is blocked by dirt or debris, your system might be gasping for air.
4. The Thermostat Is Misreading the Room
Is your controller in a hallway or near a cold window? It could be getting the wrong signal about the room’s actual temperature. You’ll keep cranking it up, but the system thinks it’s already warm.
5. The Coils Are Icing Up
On frosty mornings, reverse cycle systems can freeze. While they’re built to defrost themselves, sometimes the cycle fails. As a result, your system quietly starts pushing cold air instead of warm.
Why It’s Not Just About the Temperature
If you’re doing everything right and still shivering under a blanket, the issue may be more than surface-level. At ABA Air Conditioning, we often receive calls for systems that just don’t heat like they used to. More often than not, it’s not the temperature setting.
It’s a sign your system needs a service. That could mean a simple clean-up or a deeper look at the components.
Here’s what we offer:
- Quick servicing and system check-ups across Adelaide
- Technicians who know reverse cycle systems inside and out
- Honest advice, no matter what the case
- Zero call-out fee – just straight-up help when your system is underperforming
If your aircon is set to 20°C but still feels like 12, give us a ring. We’ll take the guesswork out of it.
Smart Heating Starts with Smart Settings
The right temperature setting is a great start. But it only works if your system’s in shape to deliver. For most Adelaide homes, 18 to 20°C will keep things comfortable without burning through power.
But if your unit’s falling short, it might be time to look beyond the remote. At ABA, we’ll help you get the best out of your reverse cycle aircon. Call us today on 08 8004 1306 and get your winter heating sorted before the next cold snap hits.
