Air conditioning in a car – how many degrees is the optimal temperature?

Maintaining the right temperature inside the vehicle not only affects our well-being, but also the safety and health of the air conditioning system itself. For the air conditioning to work effectively, the temperature in the cabin should not be set too low, as this can not only negatively affect the comfort of passengers, but also overload the cooling system. So, what is the best temperature to set in a car to make it comfortable yet effective?

Optimal air conditioning temperature in the car

The recommended air conditioning temperature in the car is about 20-22°C. This is the range in which most people feel comfortable. A temperature of 20-22°C ensures comfort and avoids the feeling of cold air, which can be unpleasant on a long trip. In addition, this temperature range helps the air conditioning system to work efficiently without overtaxing it.

Why set the temperature in this range?

Passenger comfort – A temperature of 20-22°C is optimal for all passengers to feel comfortable, avoiding the feeling of cold air.
Air conditioning efficiency – Setting the air conditioning to too low a temperature (e.g. 16-18°C) causes the system to have to work hard, which increases energy consumption. Keeping the temperature in the 20-22°C range allows the system to operate efficiently.
Protecting the air conditioning system – Setting the air conditioning to too low a temperature can overload the system, which can lead to faster wear and tear of components, such as the compressor. An optimal temperature ensures the longevity of the system.

Effect of temperature on system efficiency

The efficiency of air conditioning also depends on the temperature difference between the vehicle interior and the environment. The greater the difference, the more difficult it is for the system to maintain a stable temperature. For example, at an outside temperature of 35°C, setting the air conditioning to 18°C makes a difference of 17°C, which can lead to system overload. The optimal temperature difference is about 10-12°C, which allows the air conditioner to operate more energy-efficiently and not overload it.

Factors affecting the temperature setting

Of course, the choice of air conditioning temperature depends on several factors:

Time of day and weather conditions – On hot days, when the temperature outside exceeds 30°C, it is advisable to set the air conditioner to a slightly lower temperature to effectively cool the interior of the vehicle. In cooler seasons, it can be set to a higher value.
Condition of the air conditioner – An air conditioner that is not regularly serviced may work less efficiently. If this is the case, it is a good idea to avoid setting the temperature too low to avoid stressing the system.
Number of passengers – In cars with many passengers, the temperature can rise faster, so it’s a good idea to set the air conditioner a little cooler to keep the cabin comfortable.
Driving style – On the highway, with faster traffic, natural ventilation can help cool the cabin, so you can set the A/C temperature higher.

Air conditioning setting tips

To make your air conditioner work as efficiently as possible, it’s a good idea to follow a few rules:

Gradually turn on the air conditioner – After getting into the car, especially if the car has been exposed to the sun, open the windows to let the hot air out, and then set the air conditioner to a medium temperature. This will prevent the system from having to work intensively from the start.
Adjust the air supply – Instead of setting the air supply directly on yourself, it’s a good idea to direct the air to your legs or the top of the cabin for more even cooling.
Regular air conditioning maintenance – Check the condition of the cabin filter, the refrigerant level and the tightness of the system to keep the air conditioning working properly.