The recommended thermostat setting for summer is 72 to 78 degrees. On long, hot summer days it's tempting to push your air conditioning to the max — but be careful.
Yes, 76°F is considered a normal thermostat temperature for indoor settings, especially during warmer months. It strikes a balance between comfort and energy efficiency. Many people find it comfortable, but preferences can vary based on individual comfort levels, humidity, and the specific climate of the area.
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.
Whenever you're not at home or are asleep, consider increasing the temperature to between 78 and 80 degrees for even further savings. It's advisable to keep your home below 80 degrees throughout the summer. A house that's too warm can be dangerous to people, pets, and the soft surfaces in your home.
Everyone has an opinion on the ideal temperature for your thermostat during summer. It's 72 degrees, one company says. Another company counters, claiming 75 as the lucky number. The U.S. Department of Energy even weighs in on the subject, suggesting that an average house temperature in the summer be nearly 80 degrees.
While the Department of Energy recommends 78°F as an ideal setting, actual usage varies widely: Low end: Some households set their AC as low as 68°F (20°C) High end: Energy-conscious individuals may set temperatures up to 80°F (27°C) or higher. Average range: Most people tend to keep their AC between 72-76°F (22-24°C)
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.
What Temperature Should You Set in the 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).
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.
People who live with long-term health conditions are more vulnerable to the effects of heat, including cardiovascular conditions and diabetes – with the temperature in their homes making it much harder to manage their health.
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.
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.
An influential limit. After an influential study in 2010, climate researchers often use a wet bulb temperature of 35 degrees C — roughly equivalent to 95 degrees F at 100% humidity — as an upper limit for human survival and adaptability without cooling.
“The consensus among most scientists is that anything higher than 75 or 80 is bad for sleep and potentially detrimental to health,” Baniassadi said. Heat affects sleep because the body signals the brain that it's time to fall asleep by lowering its core temperature. Sleeping in a hot room makes this difficult.
What temperature is too hot for a house? Any temperature higher than 25.56 degrees Celsius or 78 degrees Fahrenheit is too hot for a house.
Instead of choosing a constant temperature year-round, it's better to keep your house a constant temperature on a seasonal basis. Keeping your home at a higher temperature during the warmer months will mean your air conditioner doesn't have to work as hard.
According to the Department of Energy1, 78° Fahrenheit is the sweet spot for air conditioners to balance energy savings and comfort when people are at home and need cooling.
Your air conditioner will be able to cool to about 15-25 degrees from the outside temperature. If it's 95 degrees outside, and you set your thermostat at 65 degrees, there's almost no chance your system will get the indoors to 65 degrees.
In general, the ideal room temperature and your home for both efficiency and comfort fall somewhere between 68° and 76°F.
What is the Healthiest Temperature to Keep in Your House? The sweet spot for indoor temperature is typically around 20-22 degrees Celsius (68-72 degrees Fahrenheit). This range promotes better sleep, aids concentration, and supports overall physical comfort. Straying too far from this range may lead to health issues.
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.
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.
On the flip side, “How hot is too hot inside a house?” is equally important to consider. An indoor temperature above 80°F (27°C) can be uncomfortable and may even pose health risks, especially for vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, or those with chronic illnesses.
"The mucous membranes can dry out, crack a little, allowing viruses to seed and produce disease," said physician assistant Lou Melini. That is what can happen in a hot home. "To crank it up to 86 degrees, I think that's a bit excessive. It's drying and counterproductive," Melini said.
Drinking Between 120 and 140°F: Taste the Flavors
Coffee's notes shine between 120°F and 140°F, which is why we prefer this temperature. The subtle flavors noted by the roaster will come out within this range, creating a delightful cup.