Editor
Malaysia is a tropical country, and the temperature can sometimes get too hot for comfort. The highest temperature ever recorded in Malaysia was a sizzling 40 degrees Celsius. Such high temperatures can be unhealthy, especially in crowded urban areas where air pollution is at its highest. We can never gain control over heat, but we can take control of the temperature indoors thanks to air conditioners.
How does an air conditioner work?
An air conditioner works by extracting heat from the surrounding air with the help of three major components: the compressor, condenser and evaporator.
The fluid will first leave the condenser into the evaporator, dissolving into gas. It then drops the pressure and extracts heat from the surrounding air. Then, its high-pressure fluid will exit the compressor and flow into the condenser. This cycle repeats itself over and over until the temperature reaches the setting on the thermostat.
A thermostat controls the temperature of the air conditioner and turns the unit on until the desired temperature has been reached and then off. Once the temperature rises above the set temperature, the thermostat will switch the unit on once again.
Malaysians are always Googling for the best temperature to set their air conditioners to as our weather changes throughout the day. Below are some of the optimum temperatures you can follow to get a better night’s sleep, or not suffer a heat stroke during the day.
The best air conditioner temperature for sleeping
Taking a nap in an air-conditioned room is heavenly in this hellish weather. According to experts, the recommended temperature to keep your body not too cool and not too warm is 24 degrees Celsius. If your body is comfortable, then your sleep cycle will not be disrupted.
What about the best air conditioner temperature for a newborn baby?
The best temperature for newborn babies is around 18-20 degrees Celsius. Provided you dress your baby up in a onesie, or place them in a sleeping bag. If you dress your baby up in just diapers and a singlet, then the ideal temperature would be around 23-24 degrees Celsius.
Each baby's body temperature tolerance is different, so you may need to fiddle around the air conditioner's settings to find the perfect fit for your baby. Check periodically that your baby isn't sweating or shivering; if they are, adjust the temperature accordingly.
The best temperature for night...
The nighttime temperature in Malaysia isn't that bad, but it could get scorching during dry seasons. Therefore, the ideal temperature would be 24 degrees Celsius - the optimum temperature for our bodies.
... and best for day
During the recent heat wave that swept the country, TNB recommended the nation to set our air conditioners between 24 to 26 degrees Celsius. As for daytime, you are advised to switch your device to 25 degrees Celsius. This is so that you will not overwork your air conditioner, as its compressor.
Table 1: Summary of the best air conditioner temperature settings according to situation
| For sleeping |
For newborn baby |
For night | For day | |
| Best Temperature Setting | 24 degrees Celsius |
18-20 degrees Celsius (If heavily clothed) 23-24 degrees Celsius (If lightly dressed) |
24 degrees Celsius | 25 degrees Celsius |
| Reason | Optimum ambient temperature for the human body | Optimum range for newborns | Optimum ambient temperature for the human body | Near the optimum ambient temperature for the human body; does not overwork the air conditioner and saves electricity |
What is the best temperature for your air conditioner type?
Unless you’re using an antique air conditioner from the 70s, most modern air conditioners will function their best at a temperature of between 23-26 degrees Celsius. At these cool and comfortable temperatures, your air conditioner will save energy. This range is also the healthiest for your body.
Most modern air conditioners come with the inverter technology to decrease your electric bill, increase its efficiency and quiet down the operation. Some even come with built-in dehumidifiers to maintain comfortable humidity levels and prevent the growth of mildew.
But regardless of what type of air conditioner you use - a split, window or portable air conditioner - the ideal temperature for Malaysian weathers are best at the range of 22-26 degrees Celsius. Still not sure which air cond to get? Check out some of the top air conditioners in Malaysia best made to suit our weather.