Best Temperature Setting for AC in Malaysia (Save Money & Stay Cool)

“What temperature should I set my AC to?”

We hear this question constantly from homeowners in Kuala Lumpur and Kepong.

Set it too low and your Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) bill skyrockets. Set it too high and the Malaysian humidity makes the room feel sticky.

Here is the science-backed answer for our local tropical conditions.

The Short Answer

24-26°C is the ideal range for most Malaysian homes.

Our team recommends this specific range because it hits the sweet spot for:

• Comfort in 80%+ humidity
• Energy efficiency under current tariff rates
• Quality sleep cycles
• Significant cost savings

There is nuance here depending on the age of your unit and your home’s insulation.

Why 24-26°C Works

The Science of Comfort

Your body’s thermal comfort relies on more than just the number on the remote.

It depends on:

• Air temperature: The actual heat level in the room.
• Relative humidity: Malaysia averages 74-86% humidity daily.
• Air movement: How fast air circulates over your skin.
• Activity level: Whether you are sitting still or moving.

In our high humidity, setting your AC to 24-26°C effectively combats the moisture. The Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Malaysia actually lists 23-26°C as the optimal range for thermal comfort in workspaces.

The 1°C Rule

We have analyzed usage patterns across hundreds of local homes.

Every 1°C lower you set your AC increases energy consumption by approximately 3-5%. This adds up quickly when you consider the tiered pricing blocks used by TNB.

*Estimates based on an older 1.5HP non-inverter unit running 8 hours/day at the highest TNB tariff tier.

Recommended Settings by Activity

Sleeping (Night)

Recommended: 24-25°C

Your body temperature naturally drops during deep REM sleep.

A setting of 16-18°C often leads to:

• Waking up shivering at 3 AM
• Disrupted sleep cycles
• Wasted electricity cooling a dormant body

Pro tip: Use the “Sleep” function found on most Daikin, Panasonic, and York units. This mode gradually raises the temperature by 0.5°C to 1°C per hour to match your body’s cooling rhythm.

Working from Home (Day)

Recommended: 24-26°C

Working at a desk generates minimal body heat.

We suggest:

• 24°C if you are seated near a window with sunlight.
• 25-26°C if you are in a shaded room or interior office.
• Fan Assist: Turn on a desk or ceiling fan to create a wind-chill effect without lowering the AC temp.

Exercise/Activity

Recommended: 22-24°C

Your metabolic rate spikes during workouts.

Lowering the temperature temporarily helps heat dissipation.

• Set it lower 15 minutes before you start.
• Return it to 24°C once your heart rate normalizes.

Guests Over

Recommended: 23-24°C

More people equals more heat output.

An average adult generates about 100 watts of heat energy.

• A gathering of 5 people adds the heat equivalent of a small space heater.
• Drop the setting slightly to compensate for this added thermal load.

The Humidity Factor

Malaysia’s humidity is the real enemy of comfort.

Even at 24°C, a room can feel “muggy” if the moisture content is high.

With Dry Mode

Most AC remotes have a “Dry” or “Dehumidify” mode marked by a water drop icon.

This function prioritizes moisture removal over aggressive cooling.

• It runs the fan at a lower speed to allow more condensation on the coils.
• A drier room at 26°C feels cooler than a humid room at 24°C.
• Power consumption drops by roughly 30% compared to “Cool” mode.

When to use: Rainy afternoons or nights when the air feels heavy but not exceedingly hot.

With Fan Speed

High fan speeds increase evaporation from your skin.

This creates a “wind chill” effect.

• You can keep the thermostat at 26°C with the fan on “High.”
• It will feel as cool as 24°C with the fan on “Low.”
• The fan motor uses a fraction of the electricity that the compressor uses.

Room-Specific Recommendations

Bedroom

• Night: 24-25°C with sleep mode enabled.
• Pre-cooling: Run at 22°C for 20 minutes before getting into bed.
• Timer: Set the unit to turn off 1 hour before your alarm. The room will stay cool, and you wake up to a warmer temperature which helps alertness.

Living Room

• Default: 24-26°C.
• Ceiling Fan: Pair the AC with a ceiling fan (like a KDK or Panasonic) on speed 2 or 3.
• Entertaining: Lower to 23°C if the room is full.

Kitchen/Dining

• Cooking active: 22-24°C. Stoves and ovens add massive heat load.
• After cooking: Return to 24-26°C immediately.

Home Office

• Working: 24-25°C.
• Video calls: Ensure the airflow isn’t hitting your microphone.

Common Mistakes

Setting Too Low

The mistake: Cranking the remote to 16°C to cool the room “faster.” Why it’s wrong: An AC compressor runs at one speed (unless it is an inverter model). It does not blow colder air at 16°C; it just runs longer to try and reach that impossible target. The fix: Set it to your desired 24°C. It will get there just as fast.

Frequent Adjustments

The mistake: Changing the temperature every 20 minutes. Why it’s wrong: This forces the compressor to cycle on and off rapidly. This “short cycling” wears out parts faster and spikes energy usage. The fix: Pick a setting and let the system stabilize for at least 30 minutes.

Ignoring Outside Temperature

The mistake: Keeping the same 22°C setting during a thunderstorm. Why it’s wrong: The ambient temperature drops significantly during KL rainstorms. The fix: Raise the setting to 26°C or switch to Fan Mode when it rains.

Not Using Auto Mode

The mistake: Forcing “Cool” mode manually 24/7. Why it’s wrong: You miss out on the unit’s internal logic. The fix: “Auto” mode allows the unit to switch between cooling and fan-only operation to maintain the target temp efficiently.

Energy-Saving Tips

1. Use Timers

We always check timer settings during our service calls.

• Don’t cool an empty house.
• Set the unit to start 30 minutes before you return from work.
• Schedule a shut-off for 4:00 AM if your room retains cool air well.

2. Close Doors and Curtains

Thermal leakage is a major issue in older Kepong terrace houses.

• Block direct sunlight with blackout curtains.
• Keep the door closed to prevent cool air from escaping into the hallway.
• This simple step allows you to set the AC 1-2°C higher with no loss of comfort.

3. Maintain Your AC

A dirty unit works twice as hard.

• Clogged filters block airflow.
• Grimy coils cannot absorb heat efficiently.
• You might set a dirty AC to 20°C just to feel what a clean AC delivers at 24°C.

4. Use Fans Together

Fans are your best friend for efficiency.

• A ceiling fan uses about 60-80 watts.
• An AC compressor can use 1000+ watts.
• Relying on the fan allows you to raise the AC thermostat while staying cool.

Smart AC Features to Use

Sleep Mode

This feature is underutilized in Malaysia.

• Starts at your set temp (e.g., 24°C).
• Increases to 25°C after one hour.
• Increases to 26°C after two hours.
• Prevents the “freezing wake-up” and saves compressor work.

Timer Function

Automation saves money.

• Pre-cool the bedroom so you don’t need “Turbo” mode.
• Auto shut-off ensures you never accidentally leave it running while out.

Eco Mode / Econo Cool

Many modern units (like Mitsubishi Electric) feature this.

• It limits the maximum running current of the compressor.
• Energy consumption drops by roughly 20%.
• It takes slightly longer to cool down but maintains temperature very efficiently.

What Temperature is Too Cold?

Setting your unit below 22°C in Malaysia often causes issues beyond high bills.

We frequently see:

• Condensation: Water droplets forming on walls or furniture due to the temperature difference.
• Mold Growth: Species like Aspergillus thrive where condensation forms on drywall/plaster ceilings.
• Thermal Shock: The physical stress of walking from a 20°C room into 34°C outside heat.

If you feel you must set it to 20°C or lower to feel cool, your unit likely has a gas leak or dirty coils.

Get Your AC Running Efficiently

Is your AC struggling to cool even at low settings?

We often find that aging units in the KL area just need a thorough deep clean to perform like new. A properly serviced unit cools effectively at 24-26°C, whereas a choked unit struggles even at 18°C.

WhatsApp us at 012-2252 623 to book a service.

Our team can perform a chemical wash that often allows customers to raise their temperature setting by 2-3°C while staying just as comfortable.

We serve Kepong, Mont Kiara, Desa ParkCity, and surrounding neighborhoods with same-day availability.