What is the appropriate temperature setting for car air conditioning?
2 Answers
It is appropriate to set the car air conditioning temperature between 18°C and 25°C, with a temperature difference of within 10°C between the inside and outside of the vehicle being ideal. The comfortable temperature range for the human body is between 20°C and 25°C. Temperatures above 28°C can make people feel hot, while temperatures below 14°C can make people feel cold. Car air conditioning engineers suggest setting the air conditioning to 21°C to 25°C in summer and 25°C to 28°C in winter. They also emphasize that the temperature difference between the inside of the car and the external environment should not be too large, as it may cause discomfort to passengers. Generally, the temperature difference between the inside and outside of a car should be within 10°C for sedans and within 8°C to 12°C for large buses.
After years of driving, I find setting the car air conditioning between 22 to 24 degrees Celsius most comfortable. Too high and it feels stuffy with sweating, too low risks catching a cold or shivering. Especially when entering the car from summer heat outside, a large temperature difference is bad for the body—setting it around 24 degrees allows gradual adaptation. For my daily commute, I use automatic AC, simply turning the dial to 23 degrees for the system to adjust airflow automatically—effortless and convenient. This temperature also saves fuel as the compressor doesn't need full power, while avoiding excessive cold that might trigger arthritis. Remember to switch between recirculation and fresh air modes; only with fresh air intake does it feel less stifling. In short, comfort and safety are paramount—proper temperature settings make driving more pleasant.
