Results for “best ac temperature for energy saving” · retrieved September 22, 2026
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends 78°F (26°C) as the most energy-efficient temperature for when you are home.
Answer details
Baseline Temperature
Set your thermostat to 78°F (26°C) when you are home and awake. This is widely considered the optimal balance between comfort and energy savings.
Away Settings
When you are away for several hours or on vacation, raise the temperature by 7–10°F (or to 85°F) to avoid cooling an empty house. Avoid turning the unit off completely in humid climates to prevent mold.
Nighttime Adjustments
Adjust the temperature while sleeping. Recommendations vary, but raising the setting slightly or using a range between 75–82°F is often suggested to align with the body's natural cooling cycle.
Supplemental Cooling
Use ceiling or portable fans to circulate air, which can make a room feel cooler and allow you to set the thermostat higher without sacrificing comfort. Always set the AC fan to auto.
Sources 8
About this answerHow to set your air conditioner for its best efficiency | AP News
Some swear that turning off the AC when they’re gone for a few hours is the most energy-efficient, cost-saving method. Others say it’s better to leave it running continuously, preventing the system from straining to rapidly cool the house down after the home has gotten warmer throughout the day....Three experts interviewed by The Associated Press agreed that setting the thermostat a few degrees higher than normal while you’re away is generally th
July 2, 2026
Keep your home cool for less: The ultimate guide to summer AC settings | Tom's Guide
"The biggest savings come from consistent, planned temperature changes rather than manual guesswork,” explains Caitlin Butler, Product Manager of Thermostats and Home App for Residential Digital Customers at Trane....Marissa Kocaman, senior product manager for Honeywell Home Solutions at Resideo warns, “...lowering the temperature to cool a room faster or constantly adjusting the...point can lead to unnecessary cycling,...comfort, and higher ener
June 20, 2026
Experts: Set your air conditioner thermostat to this temperature
Wondering if 72 degrees is the best air conditioning temperature to save money, or if you should shut down the AC while on vacation? Here's what you need to know, from expert recommendation and cost-saving tips....According to a June 2021 survey by Consumer Reports, most Americans said they keep their thermostat at 72 degrees, although experts say for energy efficiency, it's best to bump it up a few degrees....To stay comfortable while saving mon
July 3, 2026
The best AC temperature for summer energy savings
While there’s no one “best” temperature for every comfort level, setting your thermostat to 78°F while you’re at home and awake is often recommended as a starting point for both comfort and efficiency. Combining this setting with ceiling fans or portable room fans can help ensure you stay cool without overworking your AC....Adjusting your thermostat based on the time of day can lead to energy savings. Raising the temperature during the day when n
Publication date not supplied
What Temperature to Set Air Conditioner in Summer
The optimal temperature to set your air conditioner in the summer is between 75°F and 78°F when you are home. This range balances indoor comfort with energy efficiency, helping you manage energy costs without sacrificing the cool environment your household needs....Recommended Setting: 75°F to 78°F...The standard recommendation for balancing cooling needs with energy conservation is 78°F. If that feels too warm, aim for 75°F. Every degree you
Publication date not supplied
Energy-Saving Thermostat Settings for A/C Systems
Energy consumption for cooling scales with the difference between indoor setpoint and outdoor temperature. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR cite that increasing the cooling setpoint by a few degrees in summer or using setbacks can reduce energy use significantly. DOE guidance on thermostats notes that modest thermostat adjustments and setbacks can reduce annual heating and cooling costs by about 10% or more when used properly (
February 1, 2026
Efficient Temperature Setting for AC During Warm Weather
Aire Serv recommends setting your AC to the most efficient temperature for comfort and savings....- Set your thermostat to 78°F when home.- Increase the temperature when away.- Use ceiling fans to boost cooling.- Maintain your AC system regularly.- Seal leaks to prevent cool air loss....When it comes to the temperature setting of your thermostat, most people set it for comfort and forget it. That is, until it gets noticeably too cold or too wa
June 3, 2026
Best Air Conditioner Settings 2026: Complete Energy-Saving Guide
Setting your air conditioner to the right temperature can save you hundreds of dollars annually while keeping your home comfortable. According to the Department of Energy, the best air conditioner settings follow a simple framework: 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you are home and awake, 85 degrees when you are away, and 82 degrees when you are sleeping. Each degree you raise your thermostat can reduce your cooling costs by approximately 3 percent, ma
April 21, 2026
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