As much of the U.S. copes with blistering heat, air conditioners have been humming, aiding comfort and survival.
But what’s the best temperature setting during a heat wave? And what can you do to help keep your living space cool during the summer heat?
The Department of Energy recommends setting the temperature to what you find comfortable and provides humidity control, though highlights the fact that the smaller the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower the overall cooling bill will be.
Other factors to consider include any health conditions of people in the household, how much you are willing to pay for your electric bill and what other cooling methods, such as a fan, you’re using.
What’s the best temperature to set AC during heat wave? The Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program, which promotes energy efficiency, recommends setting air conditioners to 78 degrees for peak comfort and energy efficiency when you wake up.
But not a lot of people follow that recommendation.
A 2021 Consumer Reports survey found people with central air conditioning set it to a median temperature of 72 degrees, considerably cooler than the energy-saving recommendation. None of the survey respondents selected a temperature warmer than 76 degrees.
In general, Energy Star recommends setting the temperature 4 degrees warmer when sleeping and 7 degrees warmer when away from home.
A programmable thermostat can help regulate these temperatures, Energy Star says. And installing it further from areas that receive cool or heat, like an AC unit or window that takes in sunlight, can help.
