How high should a thermostat controller be?

Author: Gino Swift  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Ideally, your thermostat should sit between 52 and 60 inches above the floor. If your thermostat sits below 52 inches above the floor, it could produce too low readings. Conversely, if it sits above 60 inches, it could have temperature readings that measure high.

What is the correct height for a thermostat?

Generally, the standard thermostat height is between 52 and 60 inches from the floor. Placing your thermostat within this range helps ensure it is getting the room's average temperature in order to regulate it effectively. The height for thermostat placement is also generally mid-height for most standard rooms.

Is 72 too high for a thermostat in winter?

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.

What is the highest you should set your thermostat?

10 Ideal AC Thermostat Settings
  • Ideal daytime at-home temperature 70-78°F. ...
  • Most energy-saving temperature 78°F. ...
  • Best temperature while you're away 85-88°F. ...
  • Ideal daytime at-home temperature 68°F. ...
  • Most energy-saving temperature 60-70°F. ...
  • Best temperature while you're away 55-60°F. ...
  • Ideal temperature for sleeping 66°F.

How high should a thermostat be set away in summer?

Every season has an ideal thermostat temperature and for summer the U.S. Department of Energy suggests that when home, 78 degrees is the sweet spot between staying cool and keeping your energy bill low. Give your air conditioner and energy bill a break by setting your thermostat to 88 degrees when away.

Where should a thermostat be? Should a thermostat be in the hallway?

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.

What is the cheapest temperature to keep your house in summer?

You want to be comfortable, but also use an efficient temperature that doesn't potentially increase your energy costs. The best thermostat setting for summer is 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you're at home. Energy.gov also suggests raising your thermostat or turning it off entirely when you are away in the summer.

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 hottest temperature you can sleep in?

There is no “Right Answer” but generally speaking an average adult will sleep comfortably somewhere between 68 and 75 degrees. Comfort is personalized. Some people like to sleep hot, some cold, some want a lot of weighted blankets to feel comfortable, and some are ok with a sheet only.

What is the best AC setting?

According to the Department of Energy, the best temperature to set an AC unit is 78°F when home during the day. However, we know that adjusting the thermostat can feel like a game of hot and cold, especially when trying to find that sweet spot during summer heat waves.

Why not set the thermostat at 72?

Setting the thermostat below 72 degrees while using an air conditioner can cause the unit to work harder than necessary, leading to higher energy bills and potential damage to the appliance.

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.

What's the lowest temperature you should keep your house at?

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends setting your thermostat no lower than 64 degrees (F) in the Winter months while people are in the home. If there are infants or elderly individuals, they recommend keeping the temperature at 70 degrees at a minimum.

Is it bad to set thermostat too high?

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.

How high should thermostat be set in winter?

If someone is at home in the daytime, 72° F (22° C) is a good start, but aim for 68° F (20° C). If everyone is away from home in the daytime or you're asleep at night, we feel 66° F (19° C) to 62° F (17° C) is best.

What is an unhealthy temperature to sleep in?

They found a 5-to-10 percent drop in sleep efficiency when indoor temperatures rose from 77 to 86 degrees, he said. “The consensus among most scientists is that anything higher than 75 or 80 is bad for sleep and potentially detrimental to health,” Baniassadi said.

What should I set my thermostat at night in summer?

Keeping in mind both energy efficiency and comfort, the best thermostat settings for summer are 76° when you are home, 80-85° when you are away and 72° at night. Then use ceiling fans in the rooms you are in to feel up to 4* cooler. Here's more on why these thermostat settings are the best.

What is the best temperature for a fridge?

The ideal refrigerator temperature is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below in the main part of the fridge. The optimal temperature for keeping foods cold is 37 degrees Fahrenheit.

Is it cheaper to leave your thermostat at one temperature?

Keeping your home at a constant temperature generally means that your HVAC system will run constantly to meet it. This means that your furnace or air conditioner may run when you're asleep, at work, or out of the house. This wastes more energy than the minimal amount that you might save by having it constantly run.

What is the best AC temperature for sleeping?

The best AC temperature for sleeping

The goldilocks zone: Aim for a temperature between 18°C (64°F) and 22°C (72°F) for optimal sleep comfort. Individual needs: Consider personal preferences and adjust the temperature accordingly. Some people may prefer slightly cooler or warmer settings.

What is a good house temperature for seniors?

Many seniors find 78 degrees to be the most comfortable indoor temperature. Anywhere from 65 to 78 degrees is considered safe.

What should AC be set at?

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.

What is the ideal temperature for humans to live in?

So, with that in mind, the World Health Organization says the ideal range is between 64° and 75°. It goes on to recommend that the minimum temperature be kept above 68° for the very young, elderly, or sick. Most of us in South Texas have learned to keep the numbers a bit higher to allow for the conservation of energy.

Should the thermostat be on auto or on?

Choose "AUTO" for energy savings and "ON" if you want constant air circulation or improved air filtration. Temperatures can soar or plummet depending on the time of year. Throughout the year, it is important to have reliable heating and cooling systems in order to keep your home supplied with cool or warm air.

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