diff --git a/src/service/main.py b/src/service/main.py
index 3a80173..5dd49dc 100755
--- a/src/service/main.py
+++ b/src/service/main.py
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ def battery_loop():
 battery_loop()
 
 # set initial mode state
-mode = get("ac-mode","performance","modes")
+mode = get("ac-mode","balanced","modes")
 if not get_ac_online():
     mode = get("bat-mode","powersave","modes")
 set_mode(mode)
diff --git a/src/udev-trigger/main.py b/src/udev-trigger/main.py
index 96fb428..ad40f52 100755
--- a/src/udev-trigger/main.py
+++ b/src/udev-trigger/main.py
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
     if str(ac_now) == str(ac_last):
         exit(0)
 
-    new_mode = get("ac-mode","performance","modes")
+    new_mode = get("ac-mode","balanced","modes")
     if not ac_now:
         new_mode = get("bat-mode","powersave","modes")