But when the system has to cool your home by over 20 degrees, its capacity to do both diminishes. As a result, your AC system has to work harder and uses more energy to do so. It, in turn, will lead to faster wear and tear, which can drastically reduce its lifespan.
But if you set the temperature too high in summer, you can cause problems that simply aren't worth the money saved. In fact, it could even cost you money in the long run. Moderate setbacks along with humidity control and the use of fans can increase energy efficiency without sacrificing your health or comfort.
The recommended rule of thumb for summertime is to set the temperature to 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you're home and higher when you're away. In general, set it to 82 degrees Fahrenheit when you're asleep and 85 degrees Fahrenheit when you're away.
Setting your air conditioning to 72°F is generally considered a comfortable indoor temperature for many people. It strikes a good balance between comfort and energy efficiency, making it a popular choice for residential settings.
What Temperature is Too Cold for a House AC? Most experts maintain that running your AC below 70 degrees can cause issues with your unit, including the risk of freezing the evaporator coil.
70°F is an ideal temperature setting, regardless of how hot it gets outside. This is a comfortable temperature for most, though you may find that it can feel too cold at times. Any air conditioner set lower than this is at risk of having its coil freeze.
In order to prevent your AC from overworking and breaking down, it's important to keep the temperature setting on your thermostat at a reasonable level. During a heatwave, we recommend that you don't lower the AC's setting below 68°F.
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.
Best AC Temperature Settings While You Are Home
As you consider the most comfortable room temperature for your lifestyle and family, keep in mind that for each degree that you set your thermostat above 72 degrees, you can save up to 3% on your energy bill.
Clean the Thermostat
Sometimes, when the room temperature doesn't match the thermostat setting, the problem could be dirt buildup on its interior parts. A dirt coating around the inner components may create excess heat and cause the thermostat to give the wrong readings.
In short, the 20-degree rule of air conditioning states that you should always keep your AC unit at no more than 20 degrees lower than the outside temperature. It means that, if the outdoor conditions are at 95 degrees, you should set your thermostat at no less than 75 degrees.
Many factors can cause this issue, including clogged filters, refrigerant leaks and the wrong unit size. While it's possible to troubleshoot it yourself, it is best to contact an HVAC professional for your AC problems.
When possible, set your thermostat to at least 78º F in the summer to reduce the difference between outdoor and indoor temperatures as much as possible. You can save six to eight percent on your electric bill for every degree your thermostat is raised above 78º F in the summer, according to Smart Energy.
What is the Best Thermostat Setting for Summer Air Conditioner Use? Energy Star recommends the following thermostat temperatures for your air conditioner in the summer: 78°F during the day if people are home. 82°F at night if people are home.
In addition to the financial impact, extreme thermostat settings can lead to discomfort. Cranking up the heat too high in the winter can create an overly warm and stuffy environment. This discomfort can negatively affect your well-being and overall quality of life.
Reduced Strain on the System
By setting a slightly higher temperature, you reduce the strain on your AC unit. This can prolong its lifespan and prevent unnecessary repairs, ultimately saving you money in the long run.
One great way to lower energy costs is to avoid cooling an empty house. This is especially true during the middle of the day. If everyone in your household is either at work or school, then turning the temperature to 78-80 degrees will save you a chunk of change when the energy bill arrives.
The National Sleep Foundation says 60-67 is a good temperature for sleep, but that might be too cold for you and increase your cooling bill. As a compromise, 70-plus degrees is a good setting.
When you activate dry mode, the fan on your AC is set to a higher speed, which helps circulate and draw moisture out of the air. Dry mode is especially useful during humid seasons such as summertime, when you may find yourself fighting against high levels of humidity in your home.
The California Energy Commission recommends that homeowners set their thermostat to 78 degrees when they're home and 85 degrees when they're away from home during the summer.
Cooling a house from 80 to 72 degrees is a common goal for many, especially during the peak of summer. On average, this process takes roughly two and a half to three and a half hours.
In general, 80 degrees is too hot for a house if people are inside. However, if people aren't home during the day or for vacation during the summer, an indoor temperature of 80 degrees can save energy until you return and lower the temperature.
Sleeping in a room with the air conditioner set to an appropriate temperature is important for quality sleep. The ideal AC temperature for sleeping is around 65°F (18.3°C). However, this may differ between individuals, who might find their ideal AC temperature lies between 60 and 67°F (15.6 and 19.4°C).
For example, HVAC specialists recommend setting your thermostat no lower than 20 degrees the outside temperature. Suppose the outdoor temperature in your area is a blistering 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It's probably best to keep your thermostat between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent stress on your unit.
Make sure the thermostat is set to the correct temperature and that it is set to "cool" mode. If the thermostat is set too high or is in "fan" mode, your AC won't cool your home effectively. Additionally, check the batteries in your thermostat to ensure they are not dead or low. Clean or replace the AC air filter.