The recommendations encourage residents to avoid setting air conditioning units below 25°C, with experts saying this temperature provides a good balance between comfort, energy efficiency and environmental impact.

According to the European Commission, every degree that an air conditioner is set below the recommended level can increase electricity consumption by around 7%. Keeping the thermostat at 25°C instead of significantly lower settings can therefore lead to noticeable savings over the course of the summer.

The guidance comes as Spain experiences another period of extreme heat, with millions of households relying on air conditioning for longer periods each day. Although the recommendations are not legally binding, they are intended to encourage more efficient energy use across EU member states.

Experts also advise making the most of natural cooling methods before turning on air conditioning. Keeping shutters and curtains closed during the hottest part of the day, opening windows during cooler evening hours and using fans alongside air conditioning can all help reduce electricity use.

Regular maintenance is also important. Cleaning or replacing air filters improves efficiency, allowing units to cool rooms more effectively while using less energy.

The recommendations are particularly relevant as energy prices remain a concern for many families. Even small changes in thermostat settings can result in meaningful reductions in household electricity bills over the course of a long summer.

While the advice has attracted attention in Spain because of the country’s prolonged heatwaves, the same principles apply across southern Europe, including Portugal, where demand for cooling typically rises sharply during the summer months.

Photo suggestion: A modern air conditioning unit inside a home, someone adjusting a thermostat to 25°C, or a family staying cool indoors with shutters closed during a hot summer day.