The answer is to set it as high as you can to still maintain a level of comfort. The Department of Energy (DOE) recommends a setting of 78 degrees when you're home and 80 degrees when you're away. When the outside temperature is in the high 90s or more than 100 degrees, your cooling system has to work hard.
During extreme heat, the best air conditioner setting is around 24-26°C (75-78°F). This setting balances comfort and energy efficiency, ensuring effective cooling without overloading the system. Using fans to circulate air and keeping blinds or curtains closed can help maintain a cooler indoor environment.
Setting your air conditioning to 72°F is generally considered a comfortable indoor temperature for many people. It strikes a good balance between comfort and energy efficiency, making it a popular choice for residential settings.
When temperatures exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit outside, setting your air conditioning (AC) to around 75-78 degrees Fahrenheit is generally considered efficient. Here are some reasons for this recommendation:
None of the survey respondents selected a temperature warmer than 76 degrees. In general, Energy Star recommends setting the temperature 4 degrees warmer when sleeping and 7 degrees warmer when away from home. A programmable thermostat can help regulate these temperatures, Energy Star says.
If you're wondering “What should I set my thermostat to during a heat wave?” you're not alone. The answer is to set it as high as you can to still maintain a level of comfort. The Department of Energy (DOE) recommends a setting of 78 degrees when you're home and 80 degrees when you're away.
Here's the thing: It's normal for your AC to run continuously during hot summer months. You see, on extremely hot days—we're talkin' high 90s to 100s—your system needs to keep up with the incoming heat. To do that, it will run longer in order to maintain a constant, desired temperature in your home.
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.
Just because the outdoor temperature is above 100, the Ideal temperature to set your AC unit to doesn't change — it's 78 degrees. Higher temperatures in the home are to be expected when the weather is hotter than usual, but your thermostat can still be set the same as if it were a lower temperature outside.
Cooling a house from 90 degrees to 72 degrees typically takes about 2 to 4 hours, depending on various factors.
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.
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.
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.
In extreme heat, you might notice your air conditioner isn't as effective, and your energy bills could be higher. Here's why: High temperatures put extra stress on the AC, which can lead to parts like fan motors and compressors getting too hot. This can cause uneven cooling or even damage the system.
What temperature is too hot for an air conditioner to work effectively? Most air conditioners have a maximum temperature limit of around 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
Some of the basics include: turn your thermostat up a couple degrees and deal with 76 to 78 degree temperatures indoors for a few days. close off unused rooms. close doors and vents.
During a heatwave, we recommend that you don't lower the AC's setting below 68°F. This is already quite chilly for most people, and many would consider it too cold. An air conditioner set this low risk of its coil freezing—and that's bad news because it indicates that the air conditioner is overworked.
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.
Rochester Electric and Gas recommends setting your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher, as each degree above 75 degrees saves 3% of energy on cooling. A higher internal temperature actually slows heat flowing into your living space, so it saves additional money on air conditioning.
If your air conditioner isn't keeping up with the heat, your air filter may be to blame. A dirty air filter can obstruct the airflow path through the unit. Using a dirty air filter can also cause less energy efficiency and more costly utility bills.
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.
Your AC will work harder to cool your home when outdoor temperatures are higher than normal. The compressor will run more frequently to reach and maintain the desired indoor temperature. The air conditioner may run all the time if the temperature hits 100℉ and soars even higher.
Running the “auto” function of your air conditioner all day and night isn't the best idea for any home. There are a few reasons you don't want to run your AC system all the time: System stress: Your air conditioner unit needs time to take a break.
If it's the first time your AC has overheated and it's a particularly hot day, let the system cool down for a while before turning it back on. If the system keeps overheating, however, you need to locate the source of the problem before continuing to use your AC.