Summer heat in Oman can exceed 45°C in some governorates, and this leads many households to run the AC at the lowest possible setting hoping for faster cooling — but this habit costs you money without any real benefit to comfort. In this article we explain the scientifically and practically ideal temperature for Oman's summer.
Recommended range: 23 to 25°C
According to energy efficiency experts, the ideal indoor comfort temperature during the day ranges between 23 and 25°C. This range provides comfortable coolness without straining the AC unit or wasting electricity. At night, you can raise it by a degree or two (25-26°C) since the body needs less cooling while sleeping.
Why setting the AC to 16°C is a waste of money
An AC cools at the same rate regardless of the target temperature — the only difference is how long the compressor runs to reach and then maintain that temperature. Every extra degree you lower beyond what's actually needed means longer compressor run time, and therefore higher electricity use, with zero added comfort.
Every degree Celsius you raise on your thermostat can save roughly 3-5% of the electricity used for cooling.
Practical tips to save electricity without sacrificing comfort
- Use the auto-timer: set the AC to start half an hour before you get home instead of leaving it running all day.
- Close curtains during the day: direct sunlight on windows significantly increases the AC's heat load.
- Clean filters regularly: a clean filter lets more air through with less effort from the compressor.
- Close doors between rooms: focus cooling on rooms actually in use instead of cooling the whole house.
- Check insulation: gaps around doors and windows leak cool air and increase AC consumption.
Does the ideal temperature differ between day and night?
Yes. During the day, with extreme outdoor heat, staying around 23-24°C in frequently used rooms like the living room is ideal. At night, the body's internal temperature naturally drops during sleep, so raising the setting to 25-26°C maintains adequate comfort while saving more on electricity.
What role does humidity in the sensation of heat?
In coastal areas near the sea, high humidity makes the body feel hotter than the actual thermometer reading. Some modern AC units have a "Dry" mode that reduces indoor humidity without significantly lowering temperature, giving a better comfort feeling with lower electricity use than regular cooling mode.
Using Eco / Sleep Mode
Most modern AC units have an eco or sleep mode that automatically and gradually raises the temperature by a degree or two overnight. This mode is specifically designed to reduce consumption without affecting your sleep quality, and we recommend enabling it if your unit has it.
Conclusion
The ideal temperature isn't just a fixed number — it's a balance between your comfort and energy efficiency. Sticking to the 23-26°C range depending on the time of day, combined with regular AC maintenance, gives you the best result for both comfort and cost.
