woman on sofa controlling the air-conditioner
Mayukh Saha
Mayukh Saha
October 23, 2024 ·  3 min read

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

Many people assume that setting the air conditioner to 26°C is an ideal way to maintain a comfortable temperature while saving energy at night. However, this temperature setting may not be as beneficial as it seems, especially when it comes to quality sleep, energy efficiency, and overall health. Let’s explore why setting your air conditioner to 26°C at night might not be the best choice.

1. Disrupts Sleep Cycles

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The body naturally cools down during sleep. If the temperature in the room remains too warm, such as at 26°C, it may prevent your body from reaching the optimal state for deep sleep. A cooler environment helps support better rest.

2. Increased Sweating and Discomfort

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A temperature of 26°C, while comfortable for some activities, can cause increased sweating when you’re under blankets or during humid conditions. This can lead to interrupted sleep due to discomfort and restlessness.

3. Humidity Concerns

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At higher temperatures, air conditioners may not dehumidify the air as efficiently. A room set to 26°C may still feel stuffy or humid, which can make it difficult to breathe comfortably, particularly for people with respiratory issues.

4. Inefficient Cooling

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An air conditioner set to 26°C might not be efficient enough to cool the room down quickly. During hot summer nights, this temperature might fail to bring sufficient relief, leading to a longer cooling time and greater energy use overall.

5. Health Risks of Overheating

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Sleeping in a warmer environment can increase the risk of overheating. This can cause headaches, dehydration, or exacerbate health issues like asthma. A cooler temperature between 18-22°C is generally recommended for good sleep.

6. Negative Impact on Sleep Quality

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Warm environments are known to increase the likelihood of tossing and turning at night. A temperature of 26°C may make it difficult for you to fall asleep quickly or stay asleep throughout the night, affecting the overall quality of your rest.

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7. Energy Savings Are Minimal

air conditioning vents
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While 26°C might seem like an energy-saving option, the difference in savings between setting the air conditioner to 24°C or lower versus 26°C can be minimal, especially if the warmer setting leads to longer cooling times. Lower settings might even cool the room faster, shutting off the AC sooner.

8. Compromised Airflow

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At 26°C, the air conditioner may not circulate air as efficiently, leaving certain areas of the room warmer than others. This uneven airflow can create discomfort and make your sleeping environment less consistent.

9. Impact on Body Temperature Regulation

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The body needs to lose heat during sleep, and setting the air conditioner too high can prevent it from doing so. The result may be disrupted REM sleep, which is essential for cognitive function and mood regulation.

10. Potential for Increased Energy Use

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Contrary to popular belief, a higher temperature setting does not always guarantee energy savings. If the room doesn’t cool down enough for restful sleep, you might find yourself adjusting the thermostat multiple times during the night, leading to increased energy use.

11. Difficulty Waking Up Refreshed

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When you sleep in a warm room, you may wake up feeling groggy or less refreshed. This is because your body wasn’t able to reach its optimal resting temperature, leaving you feeling more fatigued in the morning.

12. Impact on Air Quality

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Higher temperatures can cause pollutants and allergens to circulate more freely in the room, especially if the AC’s dehumidifying function is reduced. This could lead to poor air quality, affecting sleep and overall health, particularly for those with allergies or respiratory issues.

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