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.
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.
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.
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:
Setting your thermostat just a single digit higher can help you save 6 percent on your cooling costs, according to the EPA.
On the one hand, keeping a constant temperature can be more energy-efficient in some cases because your HVAC system doesn't have to work as hard switching between temperatures. However, this approach can also lead to wasted energy if you're heating or cooling your home when no one can enjoy it.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The average room temperature is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. The normal house temperature in Celsius is 20 and 22 degrees. Ideal room temperature reflects the degree of comfort people feel indoors. An 'optimal temperature' means occupants aren't sweating or shivering wearing normal daily attire.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Cooling a house from 80 to 72 degrees is a common goal for many, especially during the peak of summer. On average, this process takes roughly two and a half to three and a half hours.
During heat waves, experts, including utility companies, recommend keeping your thermostat no more than 20 degrees cooler than the outdoor temperature. For instance, if it's 100 degrees outside, aim to set your thermostat to at least 80 degrees.
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.
It's generally recommended to set the thermostat to a temperature that you find comfortable; however, the World Health Organization recommends keeping room temperatures below 89.6 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 75.2 degrees Fahrenheit at night for health and comfort.
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends 78° as the best temperature setting for your air conditioner during the daytime. And 82° for sleeping in the summer.