The right office temperature promotes comfort, productivity, and energy efficiency during winter. In most Australian workplaces, 22°C is considered optimal for cognitive performance and wellbeing, while slightly cooler settings may suit more active environments. Air-rite Mechanical Services helps businesses across Brisbane and South East Queensland maintain efficient heating and consistent indoor climates through expert servicing and tailored HVAC solutions.
With winter rolling into Brisbane and South East Queensland, now is the time to find the optimal office temperature to keep everyone comfortable in the workplace. Whether you manage an office building, a factory, or shops, it is important to find the ideal temperature to ensure the health and wellbeing of all occupants. For guidance on choosing systems that maintain balanced comfort and performance, explore air conditioning for commercial buildings.
At Air-rite Solutions, we provide a range of commercial air conditioning services to businesses in Brisbane and South East Queensland. With winter well and truly here, make sure you are setting your HVAC systems to best cope with the cooling temperatures during this time of year. Prepare your business for winter comfort by requesting a quote with Air-rite Mechanical Services. Our technicians can ensure your system operates efficiently throughout the season.
Understanding the Ideal Office Temperature
The Australian Standard AS1668.2 outlines the optimal office temperature for workplaces in Australia. While indoor commercial spaces can have their commercial air conditioning system set anywhere between 20-26°C, it is generally recommended to have temperatures set at 22°C.
This temperature is ideal for general comfort across employees, guests, and customers. It’s a temperature that encourages peak cognitive performance from workers, helping to increase productivity as well as critical discussion within the workplace. 22°C is also an ideal temperature for keeping occupants warm enough during the cooler winter months. If you’re reviewing your overall system setup, read Is Ducted Air Conditioning Right for Your Commercial Property?.
Workers in factories may prefer slightly lower temperatures in their indoor space, as physical labour naturally increases body heat. For this reason, some factories may prefer to have their HVAC system set at 20°C, even in the winter.
Factors Influencing Office Temperature in Winter
When setting your commercial air conditioning in Brisbane during winter, it’s important you understand all the different factors that can influence indoor temperature. While the temperature outside is obviously the most pressing element, there is more to consider when preparing your HVAC system in winter. These include:
- Since people will wear warmer clothing, set your HVAC system a few degrees higher for comfort. For example, if you set your system at 22°C, it will feel more like 24°C for someone wearing a jumper.
- You also don’t want to make your HVAC system too warm. Avoid setting your system much warmer than outside, as sudden temperature changes make it harder for the body to adjust.
- Most commercial air conditioning systems will take at least some time before they warm up an entire area. This is especially true in large, open spaces like factories or shopping centres. Start the system well before workers or customers arrive to ensure optimal comfort.
By taking these factors into consideration, you will be able to properly set your commercial HVAC system for the winter season. Keep your workplace comfortable and cost-efficient this winter. Book a consultation with Air-rite Mechanical Services to review your current HVAC setup.
Energy Efficiency Considerations
Keeping your commercial space warm during winter requires a big energy output for your HVAC system. As long as you keep up your commercial air conditioning maintenance obligations, your system should be well positioned to provide ongoing thermal comfort while remaining as energy efficient as possible. For more ways to reduce operational costs, see Tips for Improving Commercial Building Energy Efficiency.
Booking in regular maintenance inspections with a professional HVAC technician will help your system continue running at peak performance throughout winter. We recommend you book an inspection at the beginning and end of the season.
Contact Air-rite Solutions
Proper ventilation is also crucial during winter months. Learn more in our article Enhanced Airflow with Mechanical Ventilation in Commercial Spaces.
If you want to find out more about getting your HVAC system ready for winter, or have any other questions about commercial air conditioning, request a quote with Air-rite Mechanical Services to prepare your HVAC system for Brisbane’s winter conditions.
FAQs
1. What temperature should I set my office air conditioning to in winter?
Most offices operate best between 20°C and 23°C. This range maintains comfort while minimising energy use. Air-rite Mechanical Services recommends setting thermostats around 22°C for desk-based work environments and slightly lower for factories or active workplaces.
2. How can I maintain energy efficiency while heating my office?
Regular maintenance, zoning, and proper insulation are key. Air-rite Mechanical Services ensures each system component runs efficiently, preventing energy waste and maintaining even heating across large or multi-level spaces.
3. Should I adjust my HVAC system throughout the day?
Yes. As occupancy levels and outside temperatures shift, your HVAC settings should too. Air-rite Mechanical Services can install smart controls that automatically adjust to maintain consistent comfort and efficiency across your building.
4. How often should my HVAC system be serviced during winter?
Commercial systems should be serviced at least twice a year. Air-rite Mechanical Services provides scheduled maintenance programs to ensure heating performance remains steady through Brisbane’s colder months.
