In general, 80 degrees is too hot for a house if people are inside. However, if people aren't home during the day or for vacation during the summer, an indoor temperature of 80 degrees can save energy until you return and lower the temperature.
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.
Ideal Temperature for Air Coming Out of Your AC Vents
This range indicates that your air conditioning unit is operating efficiently and effectively. In practice, if the return air enters at a temperature of 95°F, then the air coming out of the supply vents should ideally be between 75°F and 81°F.
Optimizing Thermostat Settings
The DOE recommends a temperature range from 68 degrees up to 72 degrees. If elderly persons are residing in the house, many sources recommend higher temperatures — up to 78 degrees.
If your thermostat is set at 80+ degrees, then the humidity inside of your home can easily get up above 70%. That's much higher than the recommended ideal indoor humidity of 30-50%. Having indoor humidity above 50% can cause serious issues for your health and your home.
The suggested temperature setting by Energy Star is 85 degrees when no one is home. However, if you live in a region of the country with consistently high humidity levels, consider setting the thermostat closer to 80 so your HVAC system doesn't run as frequently.
In general, 80 degrees is too hot for a house if people are inside. However, if people aren't home during the day or for vacation during the summer, an indoor temperature of 80 degrees can save energy until you return and lower the temperature.
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. Set the winter temperature to 68 degrees when you're awake and 62 degrees when you're sleeping.
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.
Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death.
The Safest Temperature for Humans and Pets
Heat can be dangerous, so you don't want to let your home get too hot. The absolute highest you should set your thermostat is around 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping your air conditioning higher than this will let your home heat up quite a bit.
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.
This can occur when there are blockages or restrictions in the air ducts, preventing the cool air from reaching your home. Common causes of airflow problems include dirty air filters, blocked vents, and debris in the air ducts.
No matter the season, keep the room your baby is in between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 22.2 degrees Celsius). While you can measure the room temperature with a thermometer, in general, the temperature should not be too cool or too warm for an adult.
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.
Energy.gov suggests that 68 degrees is a good room temperature while you're awake at home but recommends lowering it while you're asleep or away.
Figures from the Warm This Winter campaign reveal that 4.5m (8% of the population)[1] have been so hot in their home that it has made them unwell in the last 12 months, dubbed the 'Hot House Syndrome'.
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.
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.
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.
If everyone in your household is either at work or school, then turning the temperature to 78-80 degrees will save you a chunk of change when the energy bill arrives. The one consideration to keep in mind is if you have four-legged friends at home. If this is the case, a temperature setting in the 76-78 range is best.
Heat Index: 80-89 degrees F Heat Effect: Fatigue is possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity Recommendations: Limit your time outdoors; Stay well-hydrated.
In the summer heat, wear loose or cropped bottoms to stay cool. If you prefer longer pants, check out our No Sweat line with professional pants you can wear in the heat yet feel as comfortable as your favorite sweats. You can also pair a flowy skirt or pair of shorts with a staple item like a crisp white t-shirt.