Setting your thermostat just a single digit higher can help you save 6 percent on your cooling costs, according to the EPA.
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.
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.
It is generally safe to leave your wall air conditioner on and set to a specific temperature, such as 72 degrees, for extended periods of time. Modern air conditioning units are designed to handle continuous operation and maintain a consistent temperature. However, there are a few factors to consider:
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:
Keeping your home warm in the winter is essential for one's comfort and also to keep pipes from freezing. However, you should be mindful of energy consumption as well. According to the Department of Energy, the optimal temperature setting for homes during freezing weather is 68 °F.
Cooling a house from 90 degrees to 72 degrees typically takes about 2 to 4 hours, depending on various factors.
But when the system has to cool your home by over 20 degrees, its capacity to do both diminishes. As a result, your AC system has to work harder and uses more energy to do so. It, in turn, will lead to faster wear and tear, which can drastically reduce its lifespan.
Determining what temperature your house should be in the winter is crucial not only for comfort but also for managing energy costs. While 72 is a good temperature for heat in the winter, setting your thermostat even a few degrees lower can significantly save energy and reduce thermal energy costs.
For most people, 75 degrees is too hot to sleep, per the National Sleep Foundation. But the new study found that in people 65 and up, sleep efficiency only started to decrease when temperatures were above 77 degrees.
Sleep experts believe the best temperature for great sleep is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. But in addition to making you uncomfortable and interfering with healthy sleep patterns, being too hot at any time of day or night can cause health risks like dehydration and heat stroke.
The World Health Organization recommends a thermostat setting no lower than 68 degrees while you're home. If you have children or seniors in your house, that number increases to at least 70 degrees. If your house is too cold, it can cause problems with blood pressure and circulation, as well as affect your heart rate.
ASHRAE, unlike the EPA, specifies an ideal number to set a building's thermostat to. It's a range, actually: around 23°-26°C, or 73.4°-78.8°F, in the summer.
If you're cold even though your thermostat indicates you shouldn't be, your furnace likely isn't the problem. In most cases, it's working just fine. It's your home that needs attention. Lack of insulation, severe air leakage, and/or unbalanced ductwork are frequently to blame.
Your thermostat can go up to 90°F, but you shouldn't push it that far for monetary reasons. Not only will it drain power and cause a huge jump in your bills, but it will force your heater to work harder and wear down much faster.
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.
Location and severe climates can affect this range, but between 68 and 72 degrees is the general recommendation. 68 degrees is best because lower temperatures reduce the amount of energy needed to keep the house warm. The less energy used, the slower the rate of heat loss.
Most sleep specialists recommend people sleep in a “cool, dark and quiet environment,” typically ranging from about 65 to 75 degrees, said Ronald Chervin, the division chief of the sleep disorders centers and professor of sleep medicine at the University of Michigan, who was not involved in the study.
In the winter, set your thermostat to 68 degrees or the lowest comfortable temperature. In warmer months, set it to 78 degrees or higher. It's a no-cost option to reduce energy expenses. At night or when you're going to be away from home for an extended period, adjust the thermostat a few more degrees.
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.
Increased Energy ConsumptionEvery time you adjust your thermostat, your HVAC system has to work harder to reach the desired temperature. This constant fluctuation in temperature settings often leads to increased energy usage, translating into higher utility bills.
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.
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.
First, check your filters and coils for dirt and debris that may be impeding airflow. Once you've cleaned the filters and coils, run the air conditioner with just the fan so that the ice accumulation can melt off. If the AC still doesn't blow cold air, it could be that refrigerant levels are too low.
On average, an air conditioner running in good condition should take about 15-20 minutes to drop the temperature by 1 degree in a standard-sized room. However, factors like outside temperature, unit size, and insulation quality can affect this timing.