Can I turn my thermostat off in the summer?

Author: Mr. Sedrick Schulist  |  Last update: Thursday, October 2, 2025

Your intention may be to conserve energy, but try and avoid completely turning off your HVAC system. The furnace or air conditioner should still run a little to avoid severe heat or cold, depending on the season.

Is it okay to turn off the thermostat in summer?

When you turn off the air conditioner in the heat of summer, you allow humidity to creep inside, and with it, mold and bugs creep in, too. That's why it is always best to turn the thermostat up instead of turning it completely off because air conditioners act like dehumidifiers, cooling and circulating the air.

What happens if I turn my thermostat off?

Turning it off at the thermostat is the exact same as setting the temperature low enough that it turns off on its own. Sudden power cuts is the only real potential concern and anything made in the last 30 years will handle this flawlessly for the first dozen or more times it happens.

Is it better to turn down the thermostat or turn it off?

If it is going to be off for an extended time, it is cheaper to turn it down by maybe 15–20 deg F. If it isn't going to get very cold, it would be fine to just turn it off.

Is 72 too cold for AC in summer?

Since 72 degrees is generally agreed upon to be an ideal indoor temperature, most people would probably still feel comfortable setting their AC units slightly higher than this, perhaps at around 75.

Should I turn my heating off when I go on holiday?

How cool should my house be if it's 100 outside?

For many of us, 70 degrees is the ideal indoor temperature, but when it is close to 100 degrees outside, your AC unit will be working quite hard to meet these expectations. Consider setting your thermostat at 75 degrees to 80 degrees in your home if the outside temperature is approaching triple digits.

Why should people stop setting their thermostat at 72?

Setting your thermostat just a single digit higher can help you save 6 percent on your cooling costs, according to the EPA.

When should I turn my thermostat off?

But when is the right time to flip the switch? Start by shutting off your heating system when temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. While that temperature might seem cold, it can take days for your whole home to cool down to that temperature. So you can turn the heat off and see how you feel.

What is the best temperature for sleep?

The best room temperature for sleep is approximately 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18.3 degrees Celsius). This may vary by a few degrees from person to person, but most doctors recommend keeping the thermostat set between 65 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (15.6 to 20 degrees Celsius) for the most comfortable sleep.

Does turning the AC on and off raise the bill?

Although many people believe that it is more costly to turn your AC on and off vs. leaving it on, this is entirely false. People often base this belief on the idea that powering on your system requires a burst of energy, so leaving it running would minimize energy usage by reducing these bursts.

Should I turn off my thermostat while on vacation?

No. HVAC experts say to never completely shut off your heating or air conditioning system when you are on vacation.

Is it OK to turn off thermostat at night?

It Can Affect Your Rest

Temperatures below 60 aren't good for sleeping. If you turn off the heat at night because you've got a heated bed or comforter, your body won't be comfortable enough for deep, restful sleep, even if you like the winter cold.

Is it okay to keep turning thermostat on and off?

In fact, this will just cause the system to run for much longer than necessary, giving it unnecessary wear and tear and causing it to use extra energy. Instead, only adjust your thermostat by a few degrees at a time. This will allow your system to “catch up” without overworking itself or running up your energy bill.

Is 72 too high for thermostat in summer?

ASHRAE, unlike the EPA, specifies an ideal number to set a building's thermostat to. It's a range, actually: around 23°-26°C, or 73.4°-78.8°F, in the summer.

What is the best temperature to set AC in summer?

WHAT IS THE BEST MODE FOR AC IN SUMMER? In summer, the best mode for your air conditioner is the "Cool" mode, set to a comfortable temperature around 78°F when you're home. This setting efficiently reduces indoor humidity and maintains a comfortable environment without overworking the AC system.

Is 72 degrees too hot to sleep in?

Sleep experts believe the best temperature for great sleep is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. But in addition to making you uncomfortable and interfering with healthy sleep patterns, being too hot at any time of day or night can cause health risks like dehydration and heat stroke.

Is it healthy to sleep naked?

Some research suggests that sleeping naked can promote better sleep, leading to various mental and physical health benefits. By encouraging core body temperature regulation, naked sleeping may help support reproductive function, skin health, cortisol levels, metabolic control, and more.

Is it better to sleep with socks on or off?

Wearing socks to bed may help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, so it could become an important part of your sleep hygiene routine. Sleep hygiene refers to the habits, behaviors, and environmental factors present during our bedtime routine.

Is it okay to turn the thermostat off in summer?

Don't ever turn off your thermostat completely off, no matter what time of year. The risks for damage to your home are too great. Instead, adjust your thermostat appropriately if you are going to leave for any extended period of time. Finding and setting the optimal temperature on your thermostat takes trial and error.

Is it better to leave thermostat on auto or off?

The main benefit of setting the thermostat to 'Auto' is that it will result in more energy efficient usage. This is because the fan will run only when it's required. Also, the air filter will need to be changed or cleaned less frequently when the thermostat setting is set to 'Auto'.

Is it better to turn thermostat off or down?

However, if no one is home for a long stretch of time – like a typical 8-hour workday – you should turn the heat off, or set it to a low temperature, to save money, experts advise. The idea that it costs more to heat your home back up after the temperature drops isn't true, says the Department of Energy (DOE).

Is 78 too hot for a house?

Quick answer: The ideal house temperature is room temperature, which ranges from 68 to 78 degrees F, though this may vary from season to season. In winter, the average room temperature is generally 62 to 68 degrees, whereas in the summer, the average temperature is 72 to 78 degrees.

What is the healthiest thermostat setting?

We recommend the following as the best thermostat settings:
  • For warmer times, set your thermostat at 78° F during daytime. Set it to 86° F if you leave the house.
  • For cooler times, set your thermostat to 68° F while you're at home and awake. Lower it to 65° F when you sleep.

Why does my house feel cold at 72?

If you're cold even though your thermostat indicates you shouldn't be, your furnace likely isn't the problem. In most cases, it's working just fine. It's your home that needs attention. Lack of insulation, severe air leakage, and/or unbalanced ductwork are frequently to blame.

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