Best AC Temperature to Save Money is typically 78°F when home and awake, paired with higher setpoints when sleeping or away, and supported by fans and smart schedules to reduce runtime without losing comfort. Raising the thermostat by even small increments trims cooling load—often up to 1%–3% savings per degree—while fans, humidity control, and sealing help maintain comfort at higher setpoints.
Best AC Temperature to Save Money
Experts commonly recommend setting the HVAC thermostat to about 78°F when home and awake, then raising the temperature when sleeping or away to reduce runtime and save energy without sacrificing comfort. Keeping the thermostat “as high as is comfortable” lowers the temperature difference with the outdoors, which directly reduces the cooling load on the HVAC system and overall electricity consumption.
Why 78°F Works
Energy guidance emphasizes “set it as high as comfortable” because a smaller gap between indoor and outdoor temperatures means less heat entering the home, so the air conditioner runs less often. ENERGY STAR notes 78°F as a typical comfort setpoint for room ACs, which many households can reach with help from fans and smart scheduling to stay comfortable.
Each Degree Matters
Raising the cooling setpoint can deliver noticeable savings, with sources noting up to 1%–3% lower cooling costs per degree increase, depending on home, climate, and system efficiency. Thermostat strategies that reduce the time spent at lower temperatures—like setbacks while away—compound savings across the season without reducing comfort when home.
Day, Night, and Away Settings
A practical summer schedule uses roughly 78°F when home, around 82°F for sleeping, and near 85°F when away for several hours, balancing savings with comfort and air quality. These presets work best when paired with pre-cooling before returning home and fans to boost comfort, so the space feels good even with higher setpoints.
Humidity and Comfort Hacks
High humidity makes air feel warmer, so managing moisture lets homes tolerate higher setpoints with the same perceived comfort level. If indoor humidity stays high, add dehumidification and reduce internal moisture sources to feel cooler at the same temperature.
Fans and Airflow Tricks
Ceiling fans spinning counterclockwise create a cooling breeze that can make a room feel up to several degrees cooler, enabling higher thermostat settings without discomfort. Using portable fans to move cool air into warm spots and ENERGY STAR tips like avoiding heat sources near the thermostat help reduce unnecessary AC runtime and the need for AC Repair.
Smart Thermostats and Schedules
Programmable and smart thermostats automate daily temperature changes and can return the home to comfort before arrival, eliminating the need to “blast” the AC later.
Avoid setting the thermostat colder than normal to cool faster, since systems cool at the same rate, and overshooting wastes energy and money.
Utility Programs and Bill Credits
Many ENERGY STAR-certified, connected ACs and smart controls are “smart‑grid ready,” letting households opt into utility demand response events for bill credits or incentives. These programs reduce peak load and can stack with efficiency savings from higher setpoints, smart schedules, and better airflow.
Home Prep and Maintenance
Start with a tight, shaded, and well‑insulated home so the AC doesn’t fight extra heat, then layer setpoint strategies for reliable savings and comfort. Seasonal maintenance, clean filters, clear condenser airflow, and duct sealing support steady cooling and smoother operation at higher setpoints.
Room ACs vs Central AC
ENERGY STAR certified room air conditioners use about 23% less energy on average and often include variable‑speed compressors for quieter, more efficient cooling.
Proper sizing matters because oversized room ACs short‑cycle and remove less moisture, leaving rooms clammy even if the air is cool.
Heat Waves and Safety
During 2025 heat waves, public health officials emphasize staying cool and safe while aiming for efficient setpoints like 78°F when conditions allow. If indoor temperatures remain unsafe, lower the setpoint, use fans for circulation, and seek cooler spaces as needed, prioritizing health over marginal savings.
Regional Tips and Global Perspective
In milder or drier climates, higher daytime setpoints can still feel comfortable, especially with passive cooling and ventilation habits.
Guidance from national research agencies also supports picking the highest comfortable setting—often around 26°C—then adjusting for sleep and local conditions.
2025 Tech and Trends
Look for “Most Efficient 2025” ENERGY STAR listings to find the latest ultra‑efficient room ACs with low‑GWP refrigerants and connected controls. Smart-grid-ready features and variable speed compressors help trim bills while improving comfort and noise levels across the cooling season.
How to Set and Stick to the Best AC Temperature to Save Money
- Pick a baseline: start at 78°F when home and awake, then adjust up by 1–2 degrees over a few days to find the highest comfortable setting.
- Build a schedule: use around 82°F for sleep and 85°F when away for four hours or more, with pre‑cooling before wake‑up and return times.
- Add fans and humidity control: set ceiling fans counterclockwise and manage moisture so higher setpoints still feel cool.
- Automate and monitor: enable smart features, geofencing, and energy reports to maintain savings without daily tinkering.
- Join utility programs: enroll connected devices for demand response incentives to stack comfort and bill savings.
Troubleshooting Hot Spots and Short Cycling
If one room stays hot, check supply and return vents, door undercuts, and drapes that block airflow, then use a fan to distribute cool air evenly. Short cycling often points to oversizing, dirty filters, or clogged outdoor coils, so clean and maintain equipment or consult a pro for right‑sizing and duct fixes.
Recommended Setpoints at a Glance
| Scenario | Suggested Setpoint |
| Home and awake | 78°F |
| Sleeping | 82°F |
| Away 4+ hours | 85°F |
FAQs
Q: What is the Best AC Temperature to Save Money?
A: A widely recommended starting point is 78°F when home and awake, raising the setpoint while sleeping or away to reduce runtime and costs.
Q: Is 78°F really the Best AC Temperature to Save Money in summer?
A: Yes, for many homes, because it balances comfort and energy use, and can be supported by fans and dehumidification to feel cooler without lowering the thermostat.
Q: What is the Best AC Temperature to Save Money at night?
A: Around 82°F is often suggested for sleeping, especially when ceiling fans and breathable bedding are used to maintain comfort.
Q: What is the Best AC Temperature to Save Money when away from home?
A: About 85°F for absences of four hours or more helps cut cooling load, with pre‑cooling scheduled before returning.
Q: Does raising the thermostat by one degree help with the Best AC Temperature to Save Money goal?
A: Increasing the setpoint can save up to 1%–3% per degree in cooling costs in many situations, while fans and humidity control preserve comfort.
Q: How do heat waves affect the Best AC Temperature to Save Money?
A: Safety comes first during extreme heat, so keep spaces cool and adjust setpoints as needed while using 78°F as a general target when conditions allow.
Q: Do smart thermostats improve the Best AC Temperature to Save Money plan?
A: Yes, smart and programmable controls automate setbacks, pre‑cooling, and utility demand response participation for additional savings.
Conclusion
Set the thermostat to about 78°F when home, use around 82°F for sleep, and 85°F when away, and add fans, pre‑cooling, and humidity control to stay comfortable at higher setpoints. Layer smart controls, seasonal maintenance, and utility bill‑credit programs to stack everyday savings with reliable comfort through 2025 heat waves. Get a free estimate for a smart thermostat install and setup today—contact RHCC to schedule your appointment.
