What is the most efficient way to set a thermostat?

Author: Mrs. Kelsi Huel Jr.  |  Last update: Friday, August 1, 2025

Thermostat Operation The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be. You can easily save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to around 68°F to 70°F while you're awake and setting it lower while you're asleep or away from home.

Is it cheaper to leave your thermostat at one temperature?

it is much more efficient to just leave it at the same temperature all day. My electric company was promoting having people install thermostats so they could do just that, so I tried it, and my bill went up almost 50%.

Is 72 too high for a thermostat in winter?

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.

Is 74 a good temperature to save money on electricity?

For every one degree you go up in temperature, you're reducing your energy usage by about 1%. "The difference between 72 to 74 might be very impactful to your bill, without really making you any more uncomfortable," said Dave Schrader with NRG.

What is the best temperature to keep your house to save money?

To save money, aim to have your temperature set around 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit when you're at home and awake. This is a comfortable temperature for most with the help of a light sweater. Overnight and when you're out, around 64 degrees Fahrenheit will keep your home at a good temperature.

How Thermostat Setbacks Save Money | Ask This Old House

Is 78 too hot for a house?

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.

What is the cheapest temperature to keep AC on?

Finding the right AC temperature for your electricity bill is a balancing act. By setting it around 78°F and considering external factors, you can enjoy comfort and save on energy costs simultaneously. Remember, small adjustments can lead to significant savings over time.

What temperature keeps your bill low?

According to the DOE, setting your thermostat back 7°F to 10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting can help you save up to 10% in energy costs. This means keeping your thermostat around 78°F in the summer (higher when you're asleep or away) or around 68°F to 70°F in the winter (lower when you're asleep or away).

What should I set my thermostat to in the summer to save money?

If you're wondering what temperature is best during the summer, you're not alone. 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.

Why not set the thermostat at 72?

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.

Why does my house feel cold at 68 degrees?

There may be drafts and pockets of colder air near the floor; The walls are colder and don't emit the usual amount of infrared radiation, so you lose heat due to your body emitting more IR than it receives; You may spend more time indoors and hence have less physical activity, so your body generates less heat.

What is the lowest I should set my thermostat?

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 cheapest way to use a thermostat?

Rule of Thumb

Set your thermostat back 10-15 degrees during the times that you are not home. Don't forget to review your energy bills before the replacement of your thermostat.

What is the coldest you should set your thermostat?

Don't set your thermostat too low

“You have to keep it really low to really get into a health concern," he said. "What you want to do is keep it at a reasonable temperature that's not chilly.” The World Health Organization recommends keeping indoor temperatures between 64 and 75 degrees for healthy people.

Why is my AC thermostat set at 74 but reads 78?

If the temperature is set to 74°F but the thermometer shows 78°F, you will have to recalibrate the thermostat to account for this 4-degree deviation. Even with older AC units or furnaces, you might have to recalibrate your thermostat from time to time.

What is the most economical way to set a thermostat?

You should set your thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature for your needs. For most people, this is between 18°C and 21°C.

Is 72 too cold for AC in summer?

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.

What is the best AC temperature for sleeping?

The best AC temperature for sleeping

The goldilocks zone: Aim for a temperature between 18°C (64°F) and 22°C (72°F) for optimal sleep comfort. Individual needs: Consider personal preferences and adjust the temperature accordingly. Some people may prefer slightly cooler or warmer settings.

What is the cheapest temperature to keep your house?

Turn down your thermostat to 68 degrees.

For every degree you lower your heat in the 60-degree to 70-degree range, you'll save an average of 3 percent on heating costs. Wear warm clothing like a sweater and set your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower during the day and evening, health permitting.

How can I reduce my thermostat bill?

  1. Keep thermostat settings as low as possible.
  2. Allow the sun to shine through windows to warm the house during the day.
  3. Use an extra blanket at night and lower your thermostat.

Is 75 a good temperature for AC to save money?

One great way to lower energy costs is to avoid cooling an empty house. This is especially true during the middle of the day. 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.

Is 72 a good temperature for air conditioning at night?

WHAT SHOULD I SET MY AC TO AT NIGHT? According to the Cleveland Clinic, the recommended thermostat setting for nighttime is between 60°F and 67°F. 3 Setting your AC within this range can help maintain a comfortable sleeping environment.

What is the best AC temperature to save electricity bill?

You can also reduce your energy costs significantly by raising the temperature while you are at work, away from home, or asleep. For the greatest savings, consider setting your thermostat to: About 78 degrees while you are at home. About 82 degrees while you are sleeping.

What temperature should you not run your AC unit?

But you shouldn't run your AC if the temperature is below 60°F. Heat pumps: Modern heat pumps are effective at around 25 to 30°F. Ductless mini-splits: Avoid using the cooling function when temperatures fall below 60°F.

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