AC Wars Heat Up Homes and Offices
Hyderabad: Fighting over the air conditioner remote control has become a familiar summer ritual in many homes. One person wants the room to become freezing cold, while the other reaches for a blanket within minutes. What often began as a small late-night argument is now backed by scientific studies and observations from psychologists and relationship counselors who say men and women experience indoor temperatures differently, especially in intense summer heat.
With Hyderabad crossing 40°C repeatedly in recent times, debates on whether the air conditioner should be set at 18°C or 25°C in homes, offices and hostels have become common.
A 2025 study published in the journal Energy and Buildings found that women generally prefer indoor temperatures between 24°C and 26°C, while men are comfortable at cooler temperatures between 22°C and 24°C. Another recent study on office thermal comfort found that women were almost twice as likely to feel cold as men in heavily air-conditioned workplaces.
Researchers say this difference is linked to metabolism, hormones, body composition and how heat is retained in the body. “Women generally have a lower metabolic rate and can lose body heat faster, while men tend to produce more body heat. Summer often increases tension regarding sleep and room comfort,” said city-based psychologist Annapurna Kumar. He added that one partner may be really uncomfortable in the cold, while the other may struggle with the heat. “People think the other person is exaggerating, but temperature sensitivity varies physically,” he said.
For Keerthi, 32, who lives in Balanagar with her husband, the dispute has become routine. “He keeps the air conditioner at 18 degrees and sleeps peacefully. I wake up at 3 a.m. looking for a blanket. In the morning, we both get angry,” he said.
A 29-year-old IT worker in Gachibowli said office air conditioning temperatures also trigger regular complaints. “While some people come from the heat to freezing temperatures, others sit in sweaters all day long,” said Manish Yadav.
Relationship counselor Mohit Varma said the “AC battle” often reflects greater stress and exhaustion during the summer months. “The remote control becomes a symbol of whose comfort is more important. When people are already tired and sleep-deprived, small adjustments can turn into emotional arguments,” he told DC. He added that sleep is a sacred ritual that people look forward to; They don’t have to fear it after a long day at work. “I suggested to a couple that they dress their bed according to their comfort needs and use blankets in a similar way. The sleep mode option on the air conditioner also helped them,” he said.
While there is no one perfect temperature for everyone, many thermal comfort studies have found that the ideal indoor range for most people is around 23°C to 25°C, doctors say. Instead of extremely cold environments overnight, experts recommend compromises such as fans, lighter blankets and breathable clothing.
