Is 72 a good setting for AC?

Author: Penelope Murray  |  Last update: Tuesday, April 15, 2025

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.

Is it okay to set the AC at 72?

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.

Is a 72 thermostat too high?

However, 72 degrees is the average recommendation. Setting the thermostat higher than the low 70s inevitably increases heat loss to the outdoors, raising heating bills substantially.

Is 72 low for AC?

When setting your thermostat, most homeowners find 72 is a good temperature for air conditioning. However, you may need to adjust that setting based on weather conditions. The bigger the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the higher your energy bill will be.

Is 72 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.

Is 72 a good temperature for air conditioning?

Is 72 degrees too hot to sleep in?

Sleep experts believe the best temperature for great sleep is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. But in addition to making you uncomfortable and interfering with healthy sleep patterns, being too hot at any time of day or night can cause health risks like dehydration and heat stroke.

What do people set their AC to at night?

People generally sleep best at night in rooms between 60 to 67 degrees. However, only you can determine your ideal temperature. If 67 is too cold for you, go up a few degrees until you reach a temperature that's still cool but comfortable.

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.

Why will my AC not cool below 72?

Check the thermostat settings.

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.

Which AC mode to use in summer?

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.

Why is my AC set to 72 but reads 78?

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.

Should I be cold at 72 degrees?

Research, such as a 2012 study published in Physiology & Behavior, shows that men tend to run a little warmer and women a little colder—the average preferred temperature for men is about 72 degrees Fahrenheit whereas women prefer it around 77 degrees.

What is the best AC setting to save money?

Energy Saver recommends setting your air conditioner to 78 degrees when you wake up, 85 degrees during the day, and 82 degrees when you're sleeping to save the most money. Kureczka suggests bumping the temperature up to the highest setting you're comfortable with.

Is 72 degrees energy efficient?

Determining what temperature your house should be in the winter is crucial not only for comfort but also for managing energy costs. While 72 is a good temperature for heat in the winter, setting your thermostat even a few degrees lower can significantly save energy and reduce thermal energy costs.

What is the best temperature for AC?

The ideal temperature for your AC depends on several factors. In general, it's recommended to keep your thermostat between 24°C (75°F) and 26°C (78°F) for a good balance between comfort and energy efficiency. Setting your AC lower won't cool the room much more but will make it run harder and cost you more money.

Is 72 good for thermostat?

The recommendations include keeping your thermostat at 78º when you're at home during the day, 82º at night, and 85º when you're away during the warm months.

Is it bad to keep AC at 72?

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 lowest recommended AC temp?

An AC unit is happiest creating space temperatures no lower than 68 degrees fahrenheit. I know some of you out there are all, “I keep MINE at 66 and it's FINE!” OK, sure, but you're walking the line, tempting fate and living dangerously.

How do I make my central AC colder?

How You Can Make Your Air Conditioner Colder
  1. Regularly Change Your Filters. ...
  2. Spray Down Your Airconditioning Unit. ...
  3. Utilize Fans. ...
  4. Check on Your Air Seals. ...
  5. Prevent Short Cycling. ...
  6. Use the Right Refrigerant. ...
  7. Correct Placement in Your Home. ...
  8. Wrapping It Up.

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 is the coolest number for AC?

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.

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.

Is it OK to run AC all night?

Running the “auto” function of your air conditioner all day and night isn't the best idea for any home. There are a few reasons you don't want to run your AC system all the time: System stress: Your air conditioner unit needs time to take a break.

Is 74 too cold for AC?

The average air conditioning temperature depends on a variety of factors, including geographic location, comfort levels, season, and cost of energy. Anywhere between 72° to 78°F is typically standard. A study in Texas revealed that the model temperature during summer months was between 70° and 75°F.

What AC temperature is good for sleeping?

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).

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