Yes, there is science-based evidence supporting the recommended air conditioning temperature range for balancing comfort and energy efficiency in Malaysia's tropical climate. Studies have shown that:
Thermal Comfort Models: Research indicates that Malaysians generally find indoor temperatures between 24°C and 27°C comfortable, especially in naturally ventilated or air-conditioned spaces.
Energy Efficiency: Increasing the air conditioning temperature by just 1°C can reduce energy consumption by approximately 1-4.9%, depending on the building type and usage patterns. This highlights the importance of setting air conditioners to higher temperatures within the comfort range to save energy.
Sustainability: Buildings in Malaysia consume a significant portion of energy for cooling. Optimizing air conditioning setpoints, combined with passive cooling measures like proper insulation and ventilation, can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
These findings emphasise that maintaining air conditioning temperatures in the recommended range not only ensures comfort but also contributes to sustainability and cost savings.
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/13/7/3614
https://ijie.um.edu.my/index.php/jdbe/article/view/29778