Is 72 too high for a thermostat in summer?

Author: Marguerite Rice  |  Last update: Sunday, February 9, 2025

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.

Is 72 a good temperature for air conditioning 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 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.

Why should people stop setting their thermostat at 72?

Setting your thermostat just a single digit higher can help you save 6 percent on your cooling costs, according to the EPA.

How cool should my house be if it's 100 outside?

When temperatures exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit outside, setting your air conditioning (AC) to around 75-78 degrees Fahrenheit is generally considered efficient. Here are some reasons for this recommendation:

What Temperature to Set Your Thermostat in Summer & Winter

What temperature do most people keep their house at in the summer?

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.

What should I set my AC to on a 100 degree day?

For the most efficient performance, set the thermostat 20 degrees lower than the temperature outside. On a 100℉ day, set it to 78℉ to 80℉ to manage utility costs. If there's a lack of airflow, the filter may need to be changed or AC vents cleaned. But it may also mean your air conditioner needs professional repair.

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.

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 is the best temperature for AC in summer?

It turns out that the best indoor temperature for your home during the summer months is 78 degrees, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. If that temperature falls outside your comfort level, there are several ways to modify how your home feels without causing your energy bill to spike.

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 is an unhealthy room 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.

Why is 72 degrees comfortable?

Many homeowners ask, “Is 72 a good temperature for heat in the winter?” The answer largely depends on personal preference and lifestyle, but generally, 72 degrees is considered a comfortable indoor temperature by most standards. It provides a warm atmosphere without overburdening the heating system.

Is 72 degrees cold for a house?

To achieve optimal comfort, it is recommended for homeowners to set their thermostats between 68 to 72 degrees while there are people inside of the home.

What is the best thermostat setting for summer?

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. Programmable thermostats can help make monitoring your home's temperature while you're away easy.

What is the safest temperature for AC?

Hence, to take a temperature closer to 24 degrees is considered to be healthier for individuals in tropical regions like India. The ministry says that, as per the comfort chart, temperatures up to 25 degrees are quite comfortable for human body, along with the desired humidity and air movement values.

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.

Is 72 OK for air conditioning?

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.

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.

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.

Is 74 too hot for house in summer?

For summer, Direct Energy recommends that the ideal thermostat temperature should be 78 degrees Fahrenheit or 25 degree Celsius when you're at home. You should set the daytime temperature no lower than 78 degrees F (26 degrees C).

Is 72 degrees energy efficient?

Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there's a big difference between your indoor and exterior temps, your utility costs will be greater. This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®. While at home: 78 degrees.

How cool should my house be if it's 90 outside?

What should my AC be set at if it's 90 degrees outside? If the outdoor temperature is 90 degrees, it's recommended to set your thermostat between 75-78 degrees.

How many hours should my AC run on a hot day?

On an average summer day, a general guideline is that your AC should operate between 12 and 16 hours. However, several factors can influence this, including the outdoor temperature, desired indoor temperature, the size and type of your unit, and your home's energy efficiency.

Is 75 too cold for AC?

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.

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