In most cases, air conditioners only have one speed (though some have variable speed settings to improve energy efficiency). Lowering the temperature too much causes your air conditioner to operate longer, causing more wear and tear on it as well as higher utility bills.
If you set the thermostat too low, it strains the AC. This leads to air conditioning malfunctions and costly repairs.
A common rule of thumb is that most models can function properly only above 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Any lower temperature will result in the system freezing up. In addition to a frosty refrigerant, the piping and coils could also become covered with ice.
What Temperature is Too Cold for a House AC? Most experts maintain that running your AC below 70 degrees can cause issues with your unit, including the risk of freezing the evaporator coil.
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.
If it's just you and your spouse, you may be fine with the temperature set at 75-77. But if you have kids and pets running around, or you're cooking and using your oven, these things can all raise the indoor temperature noticeably. So, you might find a temperature setting in the 72-74 range more comfortable.
When it comes to maintaining a comfortable indoor climate while saving on energy costs, it's crucial to understand the minimum temperature for running your air conditioner. The lowest outside temperature at which to run your AC is typically around 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Even in normal circumstances, turning a thermostat down too low is not a good idea: the compressor will run longer without improved cooling. Trying to utilise this to compensate for an air conditioner can no longer chill the house as effectively as it should be, putting more load on an already faulty system.
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 68 TOO COLD FOR AC? Setting your AC to 68°F might feel too cold for some, especially in residential settings, as it is lower than the typical comfort range. However, preferences vary, and this temperature might be suitable for those who prefer cooler environments.
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.
In short, the 20-degree rule of air conditioning states that you should always keep your AC unit at no more than 20 degrees lower than the outside temperature. It means that, if the outdoor conditions are at 95 degrees, you should set your thermostat at no less than 75 degrees.
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.
Cold air can dehydrate your nostrils, throat, and other parts of your body that fight off infections, increasing your risk of an illness. However, cold weather alone cannot make you sick. If you have viruses or particulates in the air, your AC may circulate them, and you can breathe them in.
According to the Department of Energy, you can save about 10% a year on energy costs just by setting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees higher or cooler than normal for 8 hours a day.
In most cases, especially in residential applications, you should not run your air conditioner when outdoor temperatures are below 60 degrees. The air conditioner does function, but you are going to burn out the compressor fairly quickly.
When setting your thermostat, most homeowners find 72 is a good temperature for air conditioning. However, you may need to adjust that setting based on weather conditions. The bigger the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the higher your energy bill will be.
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.
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.
When the AC temperature is too low, between 60-67 degrees F (15-19 degrees C), the evaporator coil inside the unit can get excessively cold. If the humidity in the room is high, condensation can accumulate on the coil, which may lead to the formation of frost or ice.
Our recommendation: When you head to work or vacation and want to lower your temperature setting, we would not recommend going below 50 degrees F. This strikes a good balance between conserving energy while preventing problems such as: Frozen indoor pipes. Damage from condensation on furnishings and electronics.
What Is the Best Temperature To Set an AC in the Summer? According to ENERGY STAR, a division of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 78 degrees Fahrenheit is the most cost-effective AC setting during the summer months. 1 And that's just the recommendation for when you're at home.
For example, HVAC specialists recommend setting your thermostat no lower than 20 degrees the outside temperature. Suppose the outdoor temperature in your area is a blistering 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It's probably best to keep your thermostat between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent stress on your unit.
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 coldest temperature for most air conditioners is typically 16°C (60°F), depending on the model and manufacturer. However, some units may have a minimum temperature setting slightly higher or lower.