With Hyderabad recently crossing 40°C repeatedly, arguments over whether the AC should be set at 18°C or 25°C have become common in homes, offices and hostels.
Hyderabad: The fight over the AC remote has become a familiar summer ritual in many homes. One person wants the room freezing cold, the other reaches for a blanket within minutes. What often begins as a small nightly argument is now being backed by scientific studies and observations from psychologists and relationship counsellors, who say men and women often experience indoor temperatures differently, especially during intense summer heat.
With Hyderabad recently crossing 40°C repeatedly, arguments over whether the AC should be set at 18°C or 25°C have become common in homes, offices and hostels.
A 2025 study published in the journal Energy and Buildings found that women generally preferred indoor temperatures between 24°C and 26°C, while men were comfortable at lower temperatures between 22°C and 24°C. Another recent study on office thermal comfort found women reported feeling cold nearly twice as often as men in heavily air‑conditioned workplaces.
Researchers say the difference is linked to metabolism, hormones, body composition and how heat is retained in the body. “Women generally have lower metabolic rates and may lose body heat faster, while men tend to generate more body heat. Summer often increases tension around sleep and room comfort,” said city‑based psychologist Annapurna Kumar. She added that one partner may genuinely feel uncomfortable in the cold while the other struggles with heat. “People assume the other person is exaggerating, but temperature sensitivity varies physically,” she said.
For 32‑year‑old Keerthi, who lives in Balanagar with her husband, the disagreement has become routine. “He keeps the AC at 18 degrees and sleeps peacefully. I wake up searching for a blanket at 3 am. By morning both of us are irritated,” she said.
A 29‑year‑old IT employee in Gachibowli said office AC temperatures also trigger regular complaints. “Some people come in from the heat wanting freezing temperatures while others sit with sweaters all day,” Manish Yadav said.
Relationship counsellor Mohit Varma said the “AC war” often reflects larger stress and exhaustion during summer months. “The remote becomes a symbol of whose comfort matters more. Small adjustments can become emotional arguments when people are already tired and sleep‑deprived,” he told DC. He added that sleep is a sacred ritual that people look forward to; they shouldn’t have to dread it after a long day at work. “I suggested one couple dress to bed according to their comfort needs and use a blanket similarly. There’s also the option of sleep mode in an AC that has helped them,” he said.
Doctors say that while there is no single perfect temperature for everyone, many thermal comfort studies place the ideal indoor range around 23°C to 25°C for most people. Experts recommend compromises such as fans, lighter blankets and breathable clothing instead of extremely cold settings through the night.
