Heatwave At 40°C: The Right Way To Use Your Air Conditioner

January 29, 2026

When temperatures hit 40°C, using air conditioner the right way is no longer just about comfort. It’s about protecting your health, keeping energy use under control, and helping your system cope with extreme heat especially for air conditioning Gold Coast homes dealing with prolonged heatwaves. Below are the correct ways to use air conditioning during a heatwave.

1. Set the correct temperature first

The most important step when using air conditioner in a heatwave is temperature setting.

What temperature should I set my air conditioner during a heatwave?

The correct range is:

  • 24–26°C during the day
  • 25–27°C at night

This keeps cooling effective without overloading the system or creating extreme temperature shock.

2. Use cool mode, not dry mode, in extreme heat

During a 40°C heatwave:

  • Cool mode provides stable, continuous cooling
  • Dry mode can over-dry the air and reduce comfort

The right air conditioner mode ensures proper heat removal while maintaining indoor air quality.

3. Keep doors and windows closed while cooling

Once the system is running:

This allows the air conditioner to maintain temperature efficiently and reduces unnecessary run time – critical for air conditioning Gold Coast systems under heat stress.

4. Avoid setting the fan to blow directly at people

Airflow settings matter.

The correct way to use an air conditioner:

  • Direct airflow across the room or upward
  • Avoid cold air hitting the body directly

This improves cooling distribution and prevents discomfort.

A woman using air conditioner right way in heatwave by setting proper temperature, showing what temperature should I set my Gold Coast air conditioner during a heatwave.

5. Let the system cool gradually

Turning the AC to maximum immediately is not effective.

The right approach:

  • Start at a moderate setting
  • Let the system stabilise the room temperature
  • Adjust only if necessary

This reduces compressor strain and improves long-term performance.

6. Keep filters clean during heatwaves

In extreme heat, air conditioners run longer and collect more dust.

The right way to use air conditioner during summer includes:

  • Cleaning filters regularly
  • Checking airflow restrictions

A clean system cools faster and protects indoor air quality.

7. Take breaks and support your body

Once the system is set correctly, human factors matter:

  • Avoid moving suddenly between extreme heat and cold
  • Stay hydrated while using air conditioning

These habits support comfort but only work well after the system is correctly configured.

Final thought

In a 40°C heatwave, the right way to use air conditioner always starts with the machine itself.

Correct settings, proper airflow, sealed spaces, and clean filters allow your air conditioner to handle extreme conditions efficiently especially across air conditioning Gold Coast environments.

Category: Tips & Tricks

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