What temperature should the air conditioning be set to and save electricity?

Experts reveal why 24 degrees is no longer the limit for saving. The crucial trick to reduce consumption and avoid unaffordable bills

12/22/2025 – 8:48 a.m

With the arrival of the high temperatures and the youngest Adjustments to the energy tariff tablesThe use of air conditioning became a central concern for the budget of Argentine households. The big challenge of the summer season is to find the exact point at which the devices cool down without increasing consumption.

Historical The myth that 24 degrees is the savings limit has become established, but new technical analyzes and recommendations from specialists suggest that this value is no longer the most efficient.. Strategically adjusting the thermostat not only saves money but also prevents the electrical system from breaking down on extremely hot days.

Air conditioning: the new key figure for saving on your electricity bill

Although the traditional recommendation always aims for 24 degrees, lEnergy efficiency experts assure that to maximize savings, the ideal is to program the air conditioning to 25 or 26 degrees.. This small change, which may seem insignificant for personal comfort, represents a significant difference in the power that the device’s motor must provide.

The key is thermal amplitude. When the outside temperature exceeds 35 degrees, the device must work continuously to reach 24 degrees. Raising the thermostat to 25 or 26 degrees allows the compressor to complete its cooling cycle much more quickly, allowing for rest periods that dramatically reduce kilowatt consumption. It is estimated that each degree difference upward can mean a saving of between 7% and 10% on monthly electricity costs..

In addition, a common mistake is to set the air to a temperature that is too low (e.g. 18 or 20 degrees), thinking that it will “cool down faster”. The device cools down at the same rate regardless of the set temperature. However, by setting such a low number, the motor never stops, resulting in unnecessary costs and premature wear and tear on the device.

Why the air conditioning should be 25 or 26 degrees in summer

• These temperatures avoid sudden temperature changes that normally cause devices to turn on and off periodically.
• It maintains the thermal comfort of the environment to be cooled, since the difference with the outside temperature is crucial and not the freezing of the house.
• The compressor works less hard, which uses the most energy.
• You can save between 20 and 30% energy.

Air conditioning: tricks to improve device performance

To ensure that the air at 25 or 26 degrees is enough to keep the environment comfortable, there are additional tricks that optimize cooling without spending more. The first of them is this Use of ceiling or pedestal fans. These devices use a minimal amount of energy and help circulate cold air that accumulates near the ground, improving the sensation of warmth by up to 3 or 4 degrees.

Another crucial factor is that Filter status. An air conditioning system with filters clogged with dirt has to work twice as hard to absorb ambient air, increasing consumption even when it is at economy temperature. Manual cleaning once a month with cold water is a simple task that keeps equipment running smoothly.

Finally, isolation from the environment is crucial. Lowering the blinds in direct sunlight and closing the doors to unused rooms prevents the “cold” from escaping. In Argentina, where heatwaves are becoming more frequent and prolonged, adopting these responsible consumption habits is the only way to enjoy summer without making your electricity bill unaffordable.