What Temperature Should the Air Conditioning Be Set to in Winter?

[EmmaLynn]

In winter, the air conditioning should be set between 20 to 26 degrees Celsius. This is because people wear more clothing during winter, and if the indoor temperature exceeds 20 degrees, it may feel slightly hot. Setting the air conditioning above 26 degrees can make the heating too intense, leading to excessively dry indoor air, which can dehydrate bodily fluids and cause discomfort such as dryness in the eyes, ears, mouth, nose, throat, and skin. Car air conditioning refers to the air conditioning system installed in vehicles, which can cool, heat, ventilate, and purify the air inside the cabin, providing a comfortable environment for passengers, reducing driver fatigue, and enhancing driving safety.

[JourneyAnn]

When driving in winter, I set the air conditioning between 20 to 22 degrees Celsius, which keeps me comfortable—neither too hot nor cooling down too quickly. Setting the temperature too high, like above 25 degrees, wastes fuel, significantly increases gas consumption, and can make me drowsy, affecting driving safety. I often use the recirculation mode to quickly warm up the cabin, but I remember to switch to fresh air mode occasionally to prevent window fogging due to high humidity. If there are many passengers or for long drives, around 22 degrees is ideal, as the small temperature difference reduces the risk of catching a cold. Regularly checking the cabin air filter is also crucial to ensure smooth airflow, which helps the system's overall efficiency.

[NadiaRose]

As someone who has been driving for many years, I recommend setting the air conditioning to around 23 degrees from an energy-saving perspective, as this temperature balances fuel consumption and cost savings. Increasing the temperature by just one degree raises fuel consumption by approximately 5%, and I've observed noticeable differences in my records. In winter, after starting the car, avoid immediately setting a high temperature. Instead, let the engine warm up for a few minutes before adjusting to 23 degrees, which makes the system more efficient. Using recirculation mode speeds up heating, but avoid prolonged use as it can dry out the air and affect health. Older vehicles, in particular, require attention—excessively high temperatures like 28 degrees can overburden the compressor, leading to higher maintenance costs. Overall, 22 to 24 degrees is the economical choice.

[LaMia]

I prefer setting the air conditioning to 21°C in winter, which feels just right for younger drivers—neither too cold to catch a cold nor too warm to dry out the skin. Cranking it up to 26°C can make younger drivers drowsy, leading to distracted driving and potential hazards. Using a smartphone app or in-car settings to adjust the temperature is trendy, but don’t forget the defogging function, as fogged-up windows can impair visibility on highways. Combine this with briefly using the recirculation mode before switching to fresh air mode to maintain clean airflow, saving energy while protecting health. The right temperature also helps save fuel, making it practical for daily commutes.