Is 72 cold for AC?

Author: Jacinto Ortiz  |  Last update: Thursday, July 3, 2025

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 it bad to run AC at 72?

It is generally safe to leave your wall air conditioner on and set to a specific temperature, such as 72 degrees, for extended periods of time. Modern air conditioning units are designed to handle continuous operation and maintain a consistent temperature. However, there are a few factors to consider:

Is 72 a good temperature for air conditioning at night?

The ideal temperature for your air conditioning at night can vary based on personal comfort, but many experts recommend setting it between 68°F to 72°F (20°C to 22°C) for optimal sleep. This range helps promote better sleep quality while also being energy efficient.

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.

Is 72 degrees in a house cold?

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.

Is 72 too cold for AC?

Is 71 too cold for AC?

If you want to feel good, as in comfortable, many people will want to lower their thermostat to the low 70s in summer. But if you're talking about saving money on energy and limiting your environmental impact, 70 degrees Fahrenheit is a very bad temperature for your AC to reach.

Is 72 degrees too hot to sleep?

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.

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.

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 74 too low for AC?

The Ideal AC Temperature

Between 74-77 degrees F (23-25 degrees C). This will limit the strain on your cooling system, keep energy bills reasonable, and help prevent the coils from freezing.

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.

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.

Why is my AC staying at 72?

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.

What should I set my AC to at night?

Recommended AC Temperature for Sleeping

The Sleep Foundation says 65° is the best temperature for sleeping. However, if you prefer a slightly warmer or cooler room, that's okay, too. The recommended range is 60–68°, so there is some wiggle room.

Is 73 degrees cold for AC?

To maintain a comfortable indoor environment during the summer, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air Conditioning Engineers recommends a range of 73 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit. On scorching hot days, you may want to adjust your thermostat toward the higher end of that range.

How cool should my house be if it's 110 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.

Is 72 too cold for AC in summer?

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.

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.

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 72 too high for thermostat in summer?

ASHRAE, unlike the EPA, specifies an ideal number to set a building's thermostat to. It's a range, actually: around 23°-26°C, or 73.4°-78.8°F, in the summer.

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.

Why won t my AC get colder than 72?

Your AC might not cool properly due to thermostat issues, an undersized unit, or extremely high outdoor temps—so check those first. Keep an eye on airflow—replace clogged filters every 3 months, and make sure vents and ducts aren't blocked for efficient cooling.

Is 72 degrees 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 best temperature for AC?

The ideal 'Thermostat Setting'

ASHRAE suggests an optimal comfort temperature between 23.5°C (74.3°F) and 25.5°C (78°F) during summers. Setting the thermostat to 24°C (75.2°F) balances comfort and energy efficiency. Using ceiling fans in conjunction with ACs further enhances comfort while conserving energy.

What is the healthiest temperature to sleep in?

The best room temperature for sleep is approximately 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18.3 degrees Celsius). This may vary by a few degrees from person to person, but most doctors recommend keeping the thermostat set between 65 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (15.6 to 20 degrees Celsius) for the most comfortable sleep.

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