What's the Best Temperature to Set Your AC?

The best temperature to set your AC often hinges on personal preferences and household makeup, but the official answer is usually 78 degrees. However, temperature settings aren’t one-size-fits-all. Learn how to find the best temperature for your AC by exploring:

• The recommended AC temperature for comfort and efficiency
• How your lifestyle and schedule impact ideal AC settings
• Energy-saving tips for Florida homeowners
• What to know about setting your thermostat at night
• Smart thermostat tools to help you stay cool

Keep your home cool and your pocketbook happy using the following recommendations.

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The best temperature to set your AC during summer is 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you're home and awake, especially in Florida’s climate. This setting is the official recommendation from ENERGY STAR, which aims to help homeowners promote energy savings without sacrificing comfort.

However, AC temperature recommendations aren’t one-size-fits-all. Age, health conditions, and activity level can impact your ideal setting. Adjustments to keep your home slightly cooler or warmer for overall comfort and efficiency are fine.

Your daily routine plays a significant role in finding the best temperature for your AC. ENERGY STAR suggests raising it by 7 to 10 degrees when you're away for extended periods and by about 4 degrees while sleeping. However, in southwest Florida, you may find 75 degrees more comfortable for sleeping without overworking the system.

Households with pets, young kids, or older adults may need to tweak settings for safety and comfort. Personal preferences also matter, so don’t sweat adjusting your thermostat a little. There’s no universal rule, just a balance that fits your lifestyle and usage habits.

Florida’s hot, humid climate often strains AC units, but there are smart ways to stay cool and save energy. Ceiling fans, blackout curtains, and regular HVAC maintenance can help enhance your cooling efforts. Sealing air leaks and changing your filters monthly can also ease the load on your AC.

Investing in energy-efficient equipment is wise, but raising the thermostat by even one degree can reduce energy usage by 3% to 5%. Advanced Air’s trustworthy technicians offer expert evaluations and energy-saving upgrades that help Florida homeowners stay cool and save on utility bills.

Cranking the AC way down at night might feel like a shortcut to comfort, but it doesn’t save energy and can cost you more. Instead, consider using ceiling or floor fans to help you sleep comfortably at a higher setting, such as the 82 degrees recommended by ENERGY STAR. Proper airflow and light bedding can also help you remain comfortable at a higher temperature.

However, if 82 degrees feels too warm, 75 degrees is a solid choice for warm Florida nights. Don’t sacrifice sleep quality for a slightly lower energy bill. Everyone’s comfort zone is a little different, so feel free to make minor tweaks until you hit your sweet spot.

Programmable and smart thermostats take the guesswork out of cooling your home. These devices learn your schedule, adjust automatically, and help maintain consistent comfort without constant fiddling. Plus, many models work with mobile apps so that you can tweak settings on the go.

These thermostats make it easier to set your AC at the best temperature during summer, even in Florida’s heat. If you’re ready to upgrade, Advanced Air offers expert thermostat installation and setup so you can get smart climate control that works perfectly from day one.

Get Personalized Cooling Recommendations From Advanced Air Today!

If your AC isn’t working at peak performance, our technicians can get it running smoothly with expert AC maintenance. If it’s not working, we’ll get your system back up and running within 24 hours, providing personalized cooling recommendations to fit your needs and budget. When you call Advanced Air for your AC needs, count on no-surprise pricing and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.