Let’s be honest. There are always two types of people in the office: those who are always cold and those who are perpetually sweaty. Especially during winter, the weather on the Gold Coast can change quickly, chilly before sunrise, warmer by 7 AM, then suddenly cold again by the afternoon. DEEPCHILL suggests a good temperature range for office productivity and some tips to prevent an office air conditioning war.
Which temperature good for productivity in the office?
Research shows that the best temperature for productivity in the office is usually between 21°C and 23°C (70°F to 73°F). It’s a sweet spot: warm enough for those who are always cold, but cool enough for the perpetually sweaties. Keeping temperature in this range makes it easier to stay focused and get work done and prevent an office air conditioning war.
Also, a study from Cornell University found that setting the office temperature to around 22°C (72°F) can help people work better and boost productivity. Besides, some studies say women work better in warmer temperatures (around 24°C), while men often like it a bit cooler.
Although there is no correct answer for the “perfect” temperature in the office, flexibility and understanding will help to keep things comfortable for everyone.
10 tips to prevent office air conditioning war
Here are some practical tips to help prevent the battle over the thermostat:
Set a clear temperature range
Start by setting the thermostat between 21°C and 23°C (70°F–73°F) to keep the office comfortable and productive. It’s not too hot to perpetually sweaty, not too cold and helps avoid constant adjustments. Once you find a setting that works for most people, stick with it.
Adjust for the season
Taking time to adjust for the season helps keep the office comfortable and allows you to limit use of the AC when it’s not really needed. If it’s already 15°C outside, there’s no need to run the system on full power.
Talk it out
Open communication makes a big difference. If you’re feeling uncomfortable, have a chat with your teammates before secretly bumping the thermostat. Honest feedback helps everyone feel heard and prevents silent tension.
Offer personal comfort tools
Keep things fair by encouraging small personal adjustments. A desk fan, a cozy sweater or even a space heater can go a long way without changing the whole room’s climate. These are simple fixes that keep both always cold and perpetually sweaties happy, no more office air conditioning war.
Use zoning if possible
If your office has multiple rooms or areas, use zoning features on your AC system. This way, you’re only heating or cooling the areas that people are actually using. Each zone can have its own comfortable temperature.
Consider occupancy
Don’t blast the AC at full power when half the team is working from home. Be mindful of how many people are actually in the space and consider occupancy when adjusting the system.
Limit random thermostat changes
Avoid the chaos of everyone changing the temperature. Either lock the thermostat or assign someone to manage it. That way, it’s easier to stick to a consistent plan and limit use when it’s not needed like after hours or during breaks. However, an agreement should be settled first with all office workers.
Dress smart and stay flexible
An office dress code should include a relaxed dress code where people can wear layers or keep a work sweater handy. This may help office workers adapt to the set temperature and work comfortably without thinking about the AC temperature.
Check in from time to time
Remember to ask the team how they’re feeling on a weekly basis. People’s preferences can change, so checking in often helps fix small issues before they turn into an AC war.
Keep unused areas closed off
If there are meeting rooms, storage spaces or offices not in use, keep the doors closed. This helps the AC system work more efficiently by focusing on areas where people are actually working.
Air conditioning war war doesn’t have to happen in your office. It’s all about setting smart rules, offering personal comfort options and aiming for a temperature good for productivity to keep two teams: always cold – perpetually sweaty happy and focused.
Need help finding the right system or setup for your space? DEEPCHILL is here to help your team stay cool and comfortable and avoid office air conditioning war .
