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.
When the air conditioning turns on, it does not matter to what temperature the thermostat is set; heat is removed from the indoor air supply in constant increments of 15 to 20 degrees, depending on the humidity level and outdoor temperature.
Venting Upwards Makes the Air-Conditioning Cooler!
The principle is simple: hot air rises while cold air descends. Therefore, when the air-conditioner blows cold air upwards, it will sink downwards, distributing cold air more evenly indoors, resulting in a faster temperature drop.
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 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.
68 to 72 degrees is a temperature range that is not too warm or cool, and is sufficient enough to warm up the home just enough so that everyone is comfortable regardless of the type of clothing they have on.
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.
To set your air conditioner for cooling, switch on the unit and select the "Cool" mode, usually marked by a snowflake symbol. Use the temperature control buttons to set your preferred temperature. Adjust the fan speed to your liking. The air conditioner will start cooling the room to the set temperature.
First, check your filters and coils for dirt and debris that may be impeding airflow. Once you've cleaned the filters and coils, run the air conditioner with just the fan so that the ice accumulation can melt off. If the AC still doesn't blow cold air, it could be that refrigerant levels are too low.
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.
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.
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.
Cool mode is the default mode in which the air conditioner operates (i.e. the temperature setting and fans speed). In cool mode, the air conditioner takes in hot air and runs it through the compressor so as to cool the air before blowing it out into the room.
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.
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.
Setting your AC to 16°C will cool the room more than setting it to 30°C. However, keep in mind that extremely low temperatures can lead to higher energy consumption and may not be comfortable for occupants. A moderate setting, like around 22–24°C, is often recommended for both comfort and efficiency.
Prevent heat gain in the house, which raises the workload for your AC unit. Cover windows during daylight hours, turn off unneeded lighting and limit the use of heat and moisture-producing activities such as cooking or showering until after the sun goes down. Keep the air conditioner's drain line clear of clogs.
This is why it's recommended to keep the AC on but raised to a higher temperature. The DOE points out that a higher interior temperature actually slows the flow of heat into your house, thus saving energy and money. When you get back home, don't turn the AC super-low to "speed up" the cooling process.
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.
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.
To save money, aim to have your temperature set around 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit when you're at home and awake. This is a comfortable temperature for most with the help of a light sweater. Overnight and when you're out, around 64 degrees Fahrenheit will keep your home at a good temperature.
The World Health Organization recommends a thermostat setting no lower than 68 degrees while you're home. If you have children or seniors in your house, that number increases to at least 70 degrees. If your house is too cold, it can cause problems with blood pressure and circulation, as well as affect your heart rate.