The Exact AC Temperature That Will Save Homeowners Hundreds This Summer, According to HVAC Experts

The Department of Energy recommends setting your home thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you are present to maximize energy savings during the summer. When away from home, the department advises increasing the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees, to approximately 85 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit, and setting it to 82 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal sleep. HVAC experts concur that these warmer settings can lead to reduced energy expenses, though they emphasize that ideal temperatures are subjective and depend on individual lifestyle and household needs. Jimmy Campbell, an HVAC expert at Townsend in Danvers, MA, notes that while the Department of Energy's recommendations are based on energy science and data, they do not account for personal preferences, such as those of elderly individuals who may prefer different temperature ranges. The principle behind these savings is that a smaller differential between indoor and outdoor temperatures reduces the workload on the air conditioning system, thereby consuming less energy. For instance, programming the thermostat to cool the house just before arrival and setting warmer temperatures while away or sleeping minimizes the system's operational time and intensity. Campbell further explains that adjusting to 82 degrees for sleep, rather than 78 degrees, allows for comfortable rest while still yielding energy savings, as the system only needs to bridge a 4-degree gap in the morning.