Father playing  with his son on the floor under an LG air conditioner, surrounded by toy dinosaurs and a wooden plane.

Energy-saving advice often starts with the AC thermostat. A small shift in temperature can reduce bills by a noticeable amount, yet the setting also determines how comfortable the room feels. The right range achieves both goals. To find it, we need to look beyond numbers and explore how comfort is defined. 

Scientists point to the way the body releases heat, how sweat evaporates in different humidity levels, and how consistent airflow shapes indoor environments. 

This article uses those principles to explain the science of indoor temperature, the body’s regulation process, and the practical ranges households can adopt to save energy without losing comfort.

The Science of Ideal Indoor Temperatures

Indoor comfort is shaped by many variables. Thermostat numbers alone do not explain why one room feels pleasant and another feels stifling. The human body, the amount of moisture in the air, and the design of a space all influence how temperature is experienced. 

To understand this balance more clearly, it also helps to know how ACs work, since airflow and cooling cycles directly affect how comfort is felt in different rooms.

How the Human Body Regulates Heat

The body works to maintain a stable internal temperature. When the environment shifts, natural responses begin.

• In warmer rooms, blood vessels expand and sweat production increases.

• In cooler rooms, vessels constrict and muscles generate heat through small movements.

• At moderate ranges, typically between 22 °C and 26 °C, these responses remain balanced, requiring less effort.

This middle zone is where most people feel comfortable, and it aligns closely with energy-saving guidelines.

The Role of Humidity in Thermal Comfort

Humidity changes how temperatures are felt. The same reading on a thermostat can create very different sensations.

• High humidity slows sweat evaporation, making rooms feel hotter and heavier.

• Low humidity dries out skin and airways, creating irritation even at cooler settings.

• Balanced humidity, often between 40% and 60%, supports comfort and reduces the need for extreme cooling.

Modern ACs with built-in dehumidification keep conditions within this range, making it easier to stay comfortable without lowering the temperature excessively.

Comfort vs. Efficiency: Finding the Right Balance

Households often face a choice between maximum comfort and lower bills. Extreme settings tilt the scale too far in either direction. A moderate approach delivers cooling that feels good while protecting the system and keeping costs predictable. 

In hot regions, a tropical split AC can make this balance easier, as it is designed to handle high heat efficiently without pushing energy use to extremes.

Ideal Settings for Work, Relaxation, and Sleep

Different activities call for different conditions.

• Workspaces perform best at steady temperatures around 23 °C to 24 °C, which support focus without draining energy.

• Relaxation zones can be slightly warmer, since comfort rather than productivity is the main goal.

• Bedrooms benefit from cooler air, often between 18 °C and 20 °C, which supports healthy sleep cycles.

Adjusting settings by activity makes living spaces both efficient and comfortable.

Climate-Specific Recommendations

Geography matters when choosing a setting.

• Hot and humid climates benefit from lower temperature ranges paired with dehumidification.

• Dry, hot regions feel comfortable at slightly higher thermostat settings since sweat evaporates more quickly.

• Mild or coastal climates often require only minimal cooling, making energy-saving ranges easier to maintain.

Tailoring the AC to local weather conditions prevents overuse and creates comfort that lasts throughout the season.

Smart Thermostats, Sensors, and Automation Tools

Air conditioners have become part of connected living. Smart thermostats and sensors bring control and efficiency that older systems could never achieve. They learn patterns, adjust automatically, and give homeowners more visibility into energy use. These tools turn cooling from a manual task into an automated routine.

Smart Sensors for Room-by-Room Monitoring

Temperature is rarely even throughout a home. One room may face direct sunlight, while another remains shaded. Smart sensors track these differences and provide data that allows precise control.

• Sensors placed in separate rooms report local conditions in real time.

• Connected systems use that information to adjust cooling only where needed.

• This prevents overcooling unused spaces and improves comfort in high-use areas.

The result is a more efficient system that delivers comfort tailored to each room.

Energy Tracking and Usage Alerts

Smart thermostats also reveal how much energy is being used.

• Dashboards display daily and weekly patterns, making it clear when consumption spikes.

• Alerts notify homeowners if the system is running longer than expected.

• Reports show the effect of small adjustments on overall costs.

This visibility helps households identify waste, correct habits, and save money without trial and error.

Seasonal Tips to Keep Energy Bills Low

Cooling needs shift as the year changes. A setting that feels right in spring may be costly in summer or unnecessary in autumn. Simple seasonal adjustments can help you reduce waste while keeping indoor comfort steady.

Adjusting Thermostat Settings for Each Season

Each season requires its own approach.

• Summer: set the thermostat around 24–26 °C. Use ceiling fans to make the air feel cooler so you avoid dropping the temperature further.

• Winter: keep rooms at 18–20 °C. Wear layers indoors instead of pushing the heat higher.

• Spring and autumn: rely on natural ventilation. Open windows during cooler hours, and let the AC rest on mild days.

Using Curtains, Blinds, and Natural Ventilation Wisely

Windows are one of the biggest sources of heat gain and loss. Managing them makes a clear difference.

• Close curtains or blinds by mid-morning to block sun during hot months.

• At night, open windows if the outside air is cooler, then close them before sunrise to trap the cool air inside.

• For cross-ventilation, open windows on opposite sides of the home to create airflow.

These simple habits reduce reliance on the AC and lower costs without buying extra equipment.

Coordinating AC With Fans and Heaters for Efficiency

ACs work best when supported by other tools.

• Run ceiling fans on low to circulate cool air; this allows you to raise the thermostat a degree or two.

• Use portable heaters in winter for small rooms instead of heating the entire home.

• For larger spaces, pair the AC with a dehumidifier in humid months. This improves comfort and prevents mold growth without dropping the thermostat further.

By sharing the workload, the AC lasts longer and consumes less energy.

Smarter Living With LG ThinQ and AI-Powered Control

Smart control has become one of the most useful features in modern ACs. LG ThinQ turns a regular unit into a connected system you can manage anywhere. With the app and AI support, you gain direct control over temperature, scheduling, and energy use.

Remote AC Control Through the ThinQ App

Managing the AC from your phone makes a clear difference in daily life.

• Download the LG ThinQ app and connect your AC to Wi-Fi during setup.

• Use the app to switch the AC on before you arrive home, so the room is ready when you walk in.

• Adjust fan speed, direction, or cooling mode without leaving your seat.

• Monitor real-time status to check if the AC is running when it shouldn’t.

Remote access prevents the common mistake of leaving the AC on all day and gives you control at moments when a remote isn’t nearby.

Creating Custom Temperature Schedules

AI and scheduling tools in LG ThinQ help reduce energy use while keeping comfort steady.

• Set different temperatures for morning, afternoon, and night based on your family’s routine.

• Lower cooling in empty rooms during work hours and restore comfort before people return.

• Use sleep mode to keep the bedroom cooler at the start of the night and slightly warmer by morning, which improves sleep quality and reduces consumption.

• Review energy reports in the app and adjust schedules if usage patterns change.

These schedules save time and ensure the AC works only when it adds real value. Over time, the AI learns preferences and suggests small changes that cut costs without reducing comfort.

Life's Good, LG!

More To Read

HELPFUL GUIDE

LG Perfectly Fits: Stylish Built-ins for Seamless Kitchens

Redefine your kitchen with LG’s Perfectly Fits built-in range, crafted for elegant style, smart function, and effortless integration, showcased on LG STORY.

Learn more

HELPFUL GUIDE

Which DualCool Model Is Best for Beating the Heat?

Discover which DualCool air conditioner fits your summer needs. Explore features, cooling power, and energy savings for the hottest months with LG STORY.

Learn more