We get this question a lot at Expert HVAC and Refrigeration: “What is the best setting for my air conditioning for maximum comfort, efficiency and utility savings?”
Energy Star says — and we agree — for optimal cooling and energy efficiency, the coolest you should keep your house is 78° F…that’s only when you’re at home and awake. A programmable or Wi-Fi thermostat makes it easy to match these cooling setting with your schedule. Even so, you can still make the adjustments manually if you desire or if you don’t have a programmable model.
To follow the recommendations of Energy Star, here are the following setpoints:
- 78° F when you’re home.
- 85° F when you’re at work or away.
- 82° F when you’re sleeping.