The coldest temperature achievable by an air conditioner depends on its design and refrigerant used. Most residential AC units can cool air to around 60-65°F (15-18°C), which is considered comfortable for indoor settings.
While the standard room temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit is commonly favored by many, others argue for higher settings, particularly when it's hotter outside.
The turbo mode is the most powerful. It's for absolute quick cooling. It allows users to cool a room quickly and effectively by operating at a span of 30 minutes before switching back to the previous settings.
And, the best spot to do it at is 78 degrees Fahrenheit. According to Energy Star, it's an ideal temperature. 78 degrees keeps you fairly cool and comfortable during the day. It also shouldn't make your electric bill skyrocket.
Air conditioners are designed to operate with an assumption that it would never run below a certain outdoor temperature - the "design" temperature. The minimum can vary between models, but it is usually 58 to 60 degrees.
Most residential AC units can cool air to around 60-65°F (15-18°C), which is considered comfortable for indoor settings. However, specialized industrial or scientific systems can reach lower temperatures, potentially going as low as -60°F (-51°C).
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.
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.
To set your air conditioner for cooling, switch on the unit and select the "Cool" mode, usually marked by a snowflake symbol. Use the temperature control buttons to set your preferred temperature. Adjust the fan speed to your liking. The air conditioner will start cooling the room to the set temperature.
Most people know that turning up the thermostat on their air conditioner to a higher temperature will result in cooler air blowing from the vents. However, there is a point at which increasing the temperature any further does not make the air cooler – it just uses more energy and costs more money.
How cold should my AC be able to get? Air conditioners are designed for comfort cooling, not reaching extremely cold temperatures. The exact minimum can vary by model, but most AC units will cool a room down to around 16°C (61°F) or 18°C (64°F).
In most situations, 78'F is the ideal AC temperature to save electricity. The U.S. Department of Energy advises keeping your home between 72° and 78° Fahrenheit to preserve comfort and a manageable electric expense.
Recommended AC Temperature for Sleeping
The Sleep Foundation says 65° is the best temperature for sleeping. However, if you prefer a slightly warmer or cooler room, that's okay, too. The recommended range is 60–68°, so there is some wiggle room.
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.
There are benefits to having your air conditioner set to “auto” and “on.” The benefits of the “auto” setting include higher efficiency, lower energy bills, better humidity control, less wear and tear on some components, and quieter running.
The recommended rule of thumb for summertime is to set the temperature to 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you're home and higher when you're away. In general, set it to 82 degrees Fahrenheit when you're asleep and 85 degrees Fahrenheit when you're away.
Cool mode. Most air conditioning units will have this as the default setting. As the mode name suggests, this setting will switch on the compressor to generate cool air.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.