The lowest outside temperature at which to run your AC is typically around 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit. At temperatures below this range, your air conditioner might not operate efficiently, causing increased energy consumption and potential strain on the system.
WHAT SHOULD I SET MY AC TO AT NIGHT? According to the Cleveland Clinic, the recommended thermostat setting for nighttime is between 60°F and 67°F. 3 Setting your AC within this range can help maintain a comfortable sleeping environment.
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.
Here are some tips to keep your air conditioner running optimally this summer: Set a reasonable temperature: HVAC professionals strongly recommend never setting the thermostat lower than 68 degrees in the summer.
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.
Do not set your thermostat below 70 degrees as it will not cool any faster and could freeze up the system causing more problems. Understand that there is generally a 20 degree difference between indoor air and outside temperatures.
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.
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.
Temperatures below 70 degrees reduce expedited thermal loss, so there is less heat transfer overall. In addition to being comfortable and efficient, 68 degrees is also a great temperature for saving money.
Using Your AC When It's Too Cold Outside
Lastly, if the temperature outside is below 60 degrees, and your AC's temperature is set below 68 degrees, this can cause the evaporator coils to freeze as there is not enough warm air in the house for the AC to sufficiently cool.
Most experts maintain that running your AC below 70 degrees can cause issues with your unit, including the risk of freezing the evaporator coil. It's worth noting this low setting would also quickly run up your energy bill.
The temperature you set your air conditioner on can affect its performance and energy usage. We recommend that you set the air conditioner temperature to around 22-24 degrees (cooling) in summer and 19-21 degrees (heating) in winter.
According to the Department of Energy, you can save about 10% a year on energy costs just by setting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees higher or cooler than normal for 8 hours a day.
“Typically it is suggested that the optimal sleeping temperature in the bedroom for adults should be between 60 and 67° F,” says Dr. Drerup. This range of temperature is thought to actually help facilitate the stability of REM sleep.
Average Temperature of Homes in the Winter
The average temperature most homeowners keep their thermostats set to during the winter is 68 degrees Fahrenheit. We recommend settings yours within the 67 to 70-degree range.
When it comes to maintaining a comfortable indoor climate while saving on energy costs, it's crucial to understand the minimum temperature for running your air conditioner. The lowest outside temperature at which to run your AC is typically around 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Well, certain problems can prevent an air conditioner from properly cooling down your home including: A dirty air filter. A blocked condenser. A refrigerant leak.
A common rule of thumb is that most models can function properly only above 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Any lower temperature will result in the system freezing up. In addition to a frosty refrigerant, the piping and coils could also become covered with ice.
How Low is Too Low to Set My Thermostat? If you're going to be leaving your home or traveling for the winter, it's best to keep your thermostat set no lower than 55 degrees. If you don't, you could risk having your pipes freeze over.
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.
Tips for Keeping Cool During Sleep
A cool or lukewarm bath or shower can help with that, suggests Raymann. For most people, the temperature in the bedroom at night should not exceed 72 degrees Fahrenheit, and it should be even lower for people that sleep best in a cool bedroom.
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.
Just because the outdoor temperature is above 100, the Ideal temperature to set your AC unit to doesn't change — it's 78 degrees. Higher temperatures in the home are to be expected when the weather is hotter than usual, but your thermostat can still be set the same as if it were a lower temperature outside.
Cooling a house from 90 degrees to 72 degrees typically takes about 2 to 4 hours, depending on various factors.
The average summer temperature is around 71°F. In winter, this falls just a touch to 70°F. Here's a winter breakdown for thermostat settings across the U.S., according to the survey participants: 47% set it between 68°F and 71°F.