What’s the Best Temp for Air Conditioner Settings in Your Office?

Choosing the best temperature for your office air conditioner isn’t just about comfort. It directly impacts energy consumption, staff productivity, and the ongoing performance of your system. Too warm, and staff productivity drops. Too cold, and operational costs rise unnecessarily.

In Perth’s climate, balancing comfort and cost is critical for every business. This guide explains the recommended air conditioner temperature settings for commercial offices, why they matter, and how to avoid common cooling mistakes.

Key Takeaways

• Set it to 24°C in summer for comfort and efficiency; 20°C in winter.
• Right temp = better productivity, lower costs, and fewer system issues.
• Perth’s hot summers mean smart settings are essential to avoid overloading systems.
• Use zoning and smart thermostats to cool only where and when needed.
• Avoid mistakes like overcooling, poor thermostat placement, and cooling empty rooms.
• Temperature issues? It might be time for servicing.
• Regular maintenance keeps systems efficient, compliant, and long-lasting.

Why Temperature Matters in the Workplace

Getting the indoor temperature right in your workplace does more than keep people comfortable; it influences how well your business runs. Here’s how:

Staff Productivity

When your office is too cold or too warm, staff can lose focus, experience fatigue, or even become irritable, leading to reduced productivity across the board. Most people work best in environments kept between 22°C and 24°C, where the air isn’t distracting or uncomfortable.

Energy Efficiency

Energy costs are another factor. Every degree below 24°C in summer can increase your cooling expenses by up to 10%. Smart, consistent temperature control can lead to noticeable reductions in your power bills over time.

Equipment Longevity

There’s also your HVAC system to consider. Pushing your air conditioning to extremes can wear out parts faster, increase the need for repairs, and shorten the system’s lifespan.

OH&S and Compliance

Under Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) standards, you’re responsible for maintaining a safe and reasonable indoor environment. Excessively cold or hot conditions can lead to dehydration, discomfort, and increased risk of workplace incidents. Keeping your system running efficiently and consistently supports both productivity and well-being.

Recommended Temperatures for Australian Offices

According to Safe Work Australia and energy efficiency guidelines, the ideal commercial office temperature is:

• Summer: 22°C to 24°C (aim for 24°C for efficiency)
• Winter: Around 20°C for heating

Setting it to 24°C is widely regarded as the best temp for air conditioner units in commercial buildings. It strikes the right balance between comfort and cost, keeping your office cool without unnecessary energy waste.

How Perth’s Climate Influences Cooling Needs

Perth’s weather presents specific challenges for businesses when managing indoor temperatures. These seasonal and environmental factors can have a big impact on how your AC system performs:

Hot, Dry Summers

Perth regularly experiences days above 35°C, especially between December and March. In these conditions, commercial AC systems must work harder and longer. Overcooling, or setting the system too low, can lead to higher power bills and unnecessary strain on equipment.

Mild Winters

While Perth’s winters are relatively gentle, cooler mornings and evenings mean heating is still required. Efficient systems can keep indoor temps comfortable without driving up energy use. A setting of 20°C is typically sufficient during these months.

Variable Sun Exposure

Office buildings with large glass areas or north-facing windows often have ‘hot zones’ where sunlight increases indoor heat. This can cause uneven cooling and employee discomfort. Solutions like zoning systems, automatic blinds, and UV-reflective film can help maintain a balanced indoor climate across the building.

Understanding how these seasonal patterns affect your cooling needs allows you to choose the right system and settings for long-term performance.

Balancing Comfort and Efficiency

Striking the right balance between comfort and efficiency depends on the nature of your workspace and how it’s used. Below are a few key strategies and considerations:

Match Cooling to Room Function

Open-plan offices may benefit from centralised cooling paired with zoning capabilities to manage airflow across shared spaces. In contrast, individual offices can be set to specific temperatures to suit occupant preferences. Areas like meeting rooms or training facilities may only need cooling during active use, while storage rooms or server spaces often require more targeted and consistent settings.

Use Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats can automatically adjust the temperature based on the time of day, occupancy patterns or even the weather forecast. These systems reduce the need for manual adjustments and help lower energy consumption in low-use periods.

Maintain Airflow and Cleanliness

Good airflow plays a key role in keeping temperatures consistent. Dirty filters, blocked vents, or poorly maintained ductwork can create hot and cold spots throughout your office and force your system to work harder than necessary.

Centralise Temperature Control

Avoid giving staff unrestricted access to thermostat controls. Frequent manual changes can lead to energy waste and uneven comfort levels. A centralised control system, supported by clear communication about temperature settings and staff comfort, can prevent confusion and improve overall efficiency.

Common AC Mistakes in Commercial Offices

Even with the best intentions, many businesses lose efficiency due to these avoidable missteps:

Setting the Thermostat Too Low

Setting your thermostat too low won’t cool your office any faster. Instead, it causes the system to run longer than needed, driving up energy bills and increasing wear on components.

Cooling Unused Areas

It’s common for AC systems to be left running in unoccupied rooms or during off-hours. This wastes energy and adds unnecessary costs, especially in meeting rooms, storerooms, or unused zones.

Poor Thermostat Placement

Thermostats placed near sunlit windows, vents, or heat-emitting equipment can give inaccurate temperature readings, causing the system to overcompensate or underperform.

Ignoring Building Insulation

Drafts, unsealed windows, or poorly insulated areas lead to temperature inconsistencies and make it harder for your AC to regulate the space. Improving insulation supports better overall efficiency.

Avoiding these mistakes can go a long way toward creating a more comfortable and cost-effective work environment.

Signs Your System Needs Servicing

Uncomfortable temperatures can indicate deeper issues with your AC system. Watch for:

• Inconsistent cooling across rooms
• The system is running constantly without reaching the set temps
• High electricity bills with no clear cause
• Unusual noises or frequent cycling

These could point to clogged filters, refrigerant issues, or faulty thermostats. A professional inspection ensures your system runs efficiently.

The Value of Regular Maintenance

Routine maintenance is essential to keep your commercial air conditioning system performing at its best. Not only does it help stabilise indoor temperatures, but it also prevents issues before they escalate.

Preventive servicing ensures better airflow, more consistent cooling, and lower energy use. It also reduces the likelihood of costly breakdowns and extends the overall lifespan of your equipment.

At Perth Air & Power Solutions, our dual-certified technicians provide commercial-grade servicing across Perth, including filter cleaning, coil inspection, thermostat calibration, and full system checks.

Why Choose Perth Air & Power Solutions?

You need more than just reliable cooling. You need a partner who understands commercial requirements and responds fast.

• Same-Day Response: We act quickly so your business doesn’t miss a beat.
• Dual-Certified Technicians: Qualified in both refrigeration and electrical systems.
• Tailored Commercial Expertise: We design, install, maintain and repair systems built for Perth businesses.

We take the time to understand your workspace and provide solutions that deliver long-term results, not just a quick fix.

Ready to Optimise Your Office Air Conditioning?

If you’re wondering what the best temp for air conditioner settings is, or if your current system just isn’t keeping up, now is the time to act.

Our team at Perth Air & Power Solutions is here to help you create a more comfortable, cost-effective office climate. From system audits and zoning upgrades to preventative maintenance, we deliver expert solutions for commercial spaces.

Call us today to book an on-site consultation, same-day response guaranteed.

Frequently asked questions

How do I stop staff from constantly changing the thermostat?
Consider using thermostats with lockout features or scheduling controls. Educating staff on the impact of frequent changes can also reduce misuse.

Is there a difference between the best AC temperature for open-plan offices vs enclosed offices?
Yes. Open-plan spaces may require slightly different strategies or zoning setups to ensure even cooling, whereas enclosed offices can be more tightly controlled individually.

What’s the difference between thermostat temperature and actual room temperature?
The thermostat reads the air temperature in its immediate area, which may not accurately reflect the conditions throughout the room. Poor placement can lead to inaccurate readings.

Can smart thermostats actually reduce my energy bills?
Yes. Smart thermostats can learn usage patterns, adjust automatically, and reduce operation during low-demand periods, helping cut down energy waste.

Can setting my office AC lower than 24°C damage the system over time?
Consistently running your air conditioner at lower settings can place unnecessary strain on the compressor and other components, potentially shortening the lifespan of your system.