Why should people stop setting their thermostats to 72?

Author: Elta Wolf  |  Last update: Sunday, June 15, 2025

Setting your thermostat just a single digit higher can help you save 6 percent on your cooling costs, according to the EPA.

Why shouldn't you set your thermostat to 72?

Generally speaking, your home's thermostat shouldn't dip below 72 degrees in the summer. It's not meant to run this way. It's going to put a lot of pressure on your air conditioner and raises the risk of you freezing over your air conditioner's evaporator coil.

Is 72 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.

Is it bad to keep AC at 72?

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:

Is 72 degrees good for thermostat?

The lower the temperature is inside of the home, the slower the rate of thermal energy loss. To achieve optimal comfort, it is recommended for homeowners to set their thermostats between 68 to 72 degrees while there are people inside of the home.

Why is my thermostat reading higher than setting?

Is 72 degrees too hot to sleep in?

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.

What is the highest you should set your thermostat?

10 Ideal AC Thermostat Settings
  • Ideal daytime at-home temperature 70-78°F. ...
  • Most energy-saving temperature 78°F. ...
  • Best temperature while you're away 85-88°F. ...
  • Ideal daytime at-home temperature 68°F. ...
  • Most energy-saving temperature 60-70°F. ...
  • Best temperature while you're away 55-60°F. ...
  • Ideal temperature for sleeping 66°F.

How cool should my house be if it's 110 outside?

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.

Is 78 too hot to sleep?

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.

Is it bad to set AC too high?

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.

Why is 72 degrees comfortable?

Many homeowners ask, “Is 72 a good temperature for heat in the winter?” The answer largely depends on personal preference and lifestyle, but generally, 72 degrees is considered a comfortable indoor temperature by most standards. It provides a warm atmosphere without overburdening the heating system.

What is an unhealthy room temperature?

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.

Is it bad to keep changing AC temperature?

Avoid constantly changing your thermostat settings, and instead, aim for a steady temperature that keeps your home comfortable without causing your HVAC system to run inefficiently. Don't wait.

Is heat on 72 too high?

The Short Answer Is: Homeowners can typically set their thermostat to a safe and comfortable temperature during winter, aiming for around 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit when at home.

What is the healthiest temperature to set your thermostat at?

Energy.gov suggests that 68 degrees is a good room temperature while you're awake at home but recommends lowering it while you're asleep or away.

What do people set their AC to at night?

People generally sleep best at night in rooms between 60 to 67 degrees. However, only you can determine your ideal temperature. If 67 is too cold for you, go up a few degrees until you reach a temperature that's still cool but comfortable.

What is the healthiest temperature to sleep in?

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.

Is 72 a good temperature for air conditioning?

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.

Why do I feel cold at 78 degrees?

If you're constantly feeling cold, it could be due to many reasons. It could be that you have low body weight, or you might not be getting enough of the nutrients or calories that your body needs. It might also be a symptom of serious health problems like diabetes.

How cool should my house be if it's 90 outside?

What should my AC be set at if it's 90 degrees outside? If the outdoor temperature is 90 degrees, it's recommended to set your thermostat between 75-78 degrees.

Does keeping the AC at 72 save money?

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.

What is the best AC temperature for humans?

Before going to sleep, the air conditioning temperature must be regulated so that it varies between 24ºC - 26ºC in summer and between 15ºC - 17ºC in winter. The environment will be suitable, without exposing your body to sudden changes that may adversely affect it.

What is the cheapest temperature to keep your house in summer?

It turns out that the best indoor temperature for your home during the summer months is 78 degrees, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. If that temperature falls outside your comfort level, there are several ways to modify how your home feels without causing your energy bill to spike.

What is the hottest temperature you can sleep in?

There is no “Right Answer” but generally speaking an average adult will sleep comfortably somewhere between 68 and 75 degrees. Comfort is personalized. Some people like to sleep hot, some cold, some want a lot of weighted blankets to feel comfortable, and some are ok with a sheet only.

What is the ideal temperature for humans to live in?

So, with that in mind, the World Health Organization says the ideal range is between 64° and 75°. It goes on to recommend that the minimum temperature be kept above 68° for the very young, elderly, or sick. Most of us in South Texas have learned to keep the numbers a bit higher to allow for the conservation of energy.

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