Do I turn the AC up or down to make it cooler?

Author: Ms. Zoey Pfannerstill  |  Last update: Saturday, December 13, 2025

Most people know that turning up the thermostat on their air conditioner to a higher temperature will result in cooler air blowing from the vents. However, there is a point at which increasing the temperature any further does not make the air cooler – it just uses more energy and costs more money.

Does turning down the AC make it colder?

But setting the thermostat really low doesn't increase your air conditioner's cooling capacity. “People think, 'If I make the thermostat set point 60, I'll get more cooling than a set point at 70,' but that's not correct,” Liu said. “You get the same amount of the cooling.”

Is 72 a good temperature for air conditioning?

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.

Should I turn my AC up or down?

The Air Conditioner is a machine for making the room cold. Turning the machine up means increasing its function, resulting in more cold; and turning it down means decreasing the function, causing less cold and more warmth.

Does increasing AC temperature make it colder?

Most people know that turning up the thermostat on their air conditioner to a higher temperature will result in cooler air blowing from the vents. However, there is a point at which increasing the temperature any further does not make the air cooler – it just uses more energy and costs more money.

How to make air conditioner AC at home using PVC pipe and foam container-fan #diy at home

Is running AC at 68 bad?

Set a reasonable temperature: HVAC professionals strongly recommend never setting the thermostat lower than 68 degrees in the summer. To balance comfort and energy efficiency, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees when you're at home and awake.

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.

What should I set my AC to in summer?

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.

Is 75 too cool for AC?

Most people work better and are more productive when with a temperature setting in the 72–74-degree range. This setting is low enough to keep the house cool and dry and keep you and the kids awake during the afternoon hours.

What is the best AC setting for cooling?

As mandated by the Ministry of Power, Government of India, all AC manufacturers must fix the default temperature setting at 24°C. So, it is better to set the right temperature at about 24-25 degrees Celsius. This will help in cooling the room faster.

What mode makes AC colder?

Cool mode

This is the most common and usually the default setting when you first turn on the AC. This mode sends cool air throughout your room and is great for cooling down an area after a long, hot day.

Do you turn the thermostat up or down to make it colder?

HVAC experts will tell you all the same thing: turning your thermostat to a lower setting DOES NOT cool your home faster.

How do I make my AC colder?

The answer to how to make your air conditioner run colder comes down to a few simple DIY steps.
  1. Keep the outdoor condenser coil clear of dust and debris. ...
  2. Put in a new air filter every month during the cooling season. ...
  3. Find and fix air leaks in your home.

Should I keep AC on all day?

As it turns out, the most efficient way to keep your home cool and the bills low is to leave the AC running—ideally, with the temperature turned up toward the upper 70s.

Is 77 degrees hot in 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.

Is 72 for AC too cold?

This is more of a personal question, as different people feel comfortable at different temperatures. 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 AC be on auto or on?

There are benefits to having your air conditioner set to “auto” and “on.” The benefits of the “auto” setting include higher efficiency, lower energy bills, better humidity control, less wear and tear on some components, and quieter running.

Is it OK for AC to run constantly in summer?

Here's the thing: It's normal for your AC to run continuously during hot summer months. You see, on extremely hot days—we're talkin' high 90s to 100s—your system needs to keep up with the incoming heat. To do that, it will run longer in order to maintain a constant, desired temperature in your home.

How long should it take to cool a house from 80 to 72?

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.

How cool should my house be if it's 110 outside in summer?

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.

Is 76 too high for AC?

What's The Ideal AC Temperature? Generally, when you are at home, your A/C's ideal temperature is between 76- and 78-degrees Fahrenheit. If you spend most of the day away from the house, set the thermostat a few degrees higher instead of cooling your home for no reason.

Should my thermostat be on run or hold?

The best way to save money is by combining both. The “run” feature lets you preset the temperature when you're not home to prevent wasting money on cooling or heating an empty home. Meanwhile, the “hold” button lets you change the room's temperature without changing your energy-saving, preset schedule.

Which mode is best for AC in summer?

Cool mode: Ideal for hot days, this mode reduces the room temperature to your desired setting. Dry mode: Perfect for humid conditions, this mode removes excess moisture from the air without significantly reducing the temperature.

Does keeping the AC at 72 save money?

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.

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