Coils Can Freeze 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.
The lowest outside temperature at which to run your AC is typically around 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit. At temperatures below this range, your air conditioner might not operate efficiently, causing increased energy consumption and potential strain on the system.
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.
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.
The ideal temperature for your air conditioning at night can vary based on personal comfort, but many experts recommend setting it between 68°F to 72°F (20°C to 22°C) for optimal sleep. This range helps promote better sleep quality while also being energy efficient.
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.
Sleeping in a room with the air conditioner set to an appropriate temperature is important for quality sleep. The ideal AC temperature for sleeping is around 65°F (18.3°C). However, this may differ between individuals, who might find their ideal AC temperature lies between 60 and 67°F (15.6 and 19.4°C).
Clean the Thermostat
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
When you activate dry mode, the fan on your AC is set to a higher speed, which helps circulate and draw moisture out of the air. Dry mode is especially useful during humid seasons such as summertime, when you may find yourself fighting against high levels of humidity in your home.
Unlike low temp refrigeration systems, like your freezer, your AC unit is not designed to take your space into freezing temperatures – not even close! An AC unit is happiest creating space temperatures no lower than 68 degrees fahrenheit.
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.
If your thermostat is set too low, the air conditioner will run for longer periods of time which can cause it to freeze up. To prevent this from happening, you should make sure your thermostat is set to the proper temperature. This will help your AC run more efficiently and avoid any freezing issues.
A significant reduction in efficiency with an increase in energy consumption. Faster wear and tear to your unit. Fluctuating refrigerant levels, which can cause damage to your compressor.
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.
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.
Negative Health Effects
Another reason not to set your AC too low is for the sake of your health. A thermostat set to 68 degrees F or lower, can create temperature imbalances within the room. This could result in making certain areas uncomfortably cold while others remain warmer.
U.S. Department of Energy research suggests that setting your programmable thermostat to 78 during the summer months is the best way to save money on your cooling costs while maintaining a comfortable temperature.
Ideally, there should be a temperature differential of around 14° to 20° Fahrenheit between the incoming air and the air being blown out by your air conditioner. This means that if the air entering the system is 75°F, the air coming out of the vent should be between 55°F and 61°F.
A more moderate setting like 24°C (75.2°F) can achieve comfort with reduced electricity usage.
As long as the weather outside isn't excessively hot or humid, keeping your AC switched off while you sleep is a great way to reduce your energy costs. In fact, even in the nighttime temperatures are still in the 80s, this is still a good option as long as it isn't too humid outside.
HVAC experts will tell you all the same thing: turning your thermostat to a lower setting DOES NOT cool your home faster. Setting your thermostat to 65 degrees will not get your home cooler faster than setting it at 73.