# Air conditioning usage and efficiency guidelines

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/air-conditioning-usage-and-efficiency-guidelines
> Updated: 2026-09-06T05:20:00.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 6.

Guidelines for air conditioning usage emphasize health, energy efficiency, and proper maintenance.

To prevent respiratory issues and thermal shock, experts recommend maintaining indoor temperatures between 24°C and 27°C. The Sociedad Española de Medicina de Familia y Comunitaria (semFYC) warns that maintaining a difference of more than 6-8°C between indoor and outdoor environments can lead to dry mucous membranes, throat irritation, blood pressure alterations, fatigue, and dizziness. These risks are particularly high for children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic cardiovascular or respiratory conditions.

Energy efficiency is heavily influenced by thermostat settings. Reducing the temperature by even one degree can increase energy consumption by approximately 6% to 8%. Energy consultant Alex Bermudez notes that leaving units on overnight has a minimal impact, costing only a few cents per night. To optimize efficiency, Bermúdez recommends maintaining a constant temperature between 23°C and 25°C. In France, the agency ADEME suggests not dropping below 26°C, noting that increasing the temperature from 23°C to 26°C can reduce cooling needs by two-thirds.

For overnight use, specific household tips can mitigate physical discomfort. To avoid dry eyes, nose, or throat, users are advised not to let fan airflow blow directly onto the body, suggesting oscillation modes instead. Regarding air conditioning, it is recommended to avoid positioning beds directly under vents to prevent localized chilling. Utilizing sleep modes or timers can help adjust to changing temperatures during the night, while monitoring humidity levels remains important to combat dry indoor air.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-06: Household tips for using air conditioning and fans overnight

Advice for families using air conditioning and fans overnight suggests avoiding direct airflow to prevent dryness and using sleep modes or timers to maintain optimal comfort and health.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/household-fan-usage-and-maintenance-tips

### 2026-09-04: Air conditioning usage: Key health and maintenance concerns

Long-term air conditioning use requires attention to humidity balance, indoor air quality, and regular device cleaning to avoid health and maintenance issues.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/air-conditioning-usage-key-health-and-maintenance-concerns

### 2026-08-31: Energy experts discuss cost-effective air conditioning use

Energy experts suggest overnight air conditioning can be cost-effective if managed correctly, recommending temperatures between 23-26°C and utilizing inverter technology to maintain efficiency.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/energy-experts-discuss-cost-effective-air-conditioning-use

### 2026-08-28: Energy consultant explains air conditioning costs and efficiency

Energy consultant Alex Bermudez states that running air conditioning overnight costs very little and advises maintaining a constant temperature between 23°C and 25°C to avoid energy spikes.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/energy-consultant-explains-air-conditioning-costs-and-efficiency

### 2026-08-17: Air conditioner efficiency and usage tips

Common air conditioner mistakes, such as setting temperatures too low or using dirty filters, can reduce cooling efficiency and increase electricity costs. Proper mode selection is also essential for efficiency

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/air-conditioner-efficiency-and-usage-tips

### 2026-08-16: Air conditioning usage guidelines for health and efficiency

Guidelines for air conditioning use emphasize maintaining temperatures between 24-27°C to optimize energy efficiency and prevent health issues like thermal shock and respiratory irritation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/air-conditioning-usage-guidelines-for-health-and-efficiency

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Cite as: Air conditioning usage and efficiency guidelines. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/air-conditioning-usage-and-efficiency-guidelines