Does turning the thermostat down make it colder?

HVAC experts will tell you all the same thing: turning your thermostat to a lower setting DOES NOT cool your home faster. Setting your thermostat to 65 degrees will not get your home cooler faster than setting it at 73.


What happens when you turn thermostat down?

A Thermostat Is a Switch, Not a Throttle

When you turn down the thermostat, all it does is set a different target temperature for the air conditioner to reach. When the thermostat's temperature sensors detect the temperature has been reached, the thermostat switches off the fans and compressor.

Does lowering the AC temp make it colder?

When you arrive, the house feels hot and stuffy, so you crank down the air conditioner to speed up the cooling process. In reality, turning down the air conditioner to a lower temperature won't result in faster cooling.


Does lower temperature mean colder?

One of the biggest misconception homeowners have about their central air system is that a lower number on the thermostat indicates colder air. This is technically untrue.

Is it cheaper to leave your thermostat at one temperature?

Keeping your home at a constant temperature generally means that your HVAC system will run constantly to meet it. This means that your furnace or air conditioner may run when you're asleep, at work, or out of the house. This wastes more energy than the minimal amount that you might save by having it constantly run.


Does Turning Down Your Thermostat Make Your Home Cool Faster?



Is 72 thermostat too high?

68 to 72 degrees is a temperature range that is not too warm or cool, and is sufficient enough to warm up the home just enough so that everyone is comfortable regardless of the type of clothing they have on.

Does it cost more to keep your thermostat below 72?

Compared to 70-72 degrees, thermostats set to 68 degrees will save money. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory performed a study that showed that people prefer a winter thermostat setting of 67-70 degrees. That pairs well with the 68-degree recommendation from the Department of Energy.

Is 68 too cold for AC?

The lower limit

Even when the temperature outside isn't at heatwave levels, we recommend you don't lower the AC's setting below 68°F. This temperature is already more than cool enough for most people, and many will find it too cold.


Is 70 too cold for AC?

It's best to not set your thermostat lower than 70 to 72 degrees. Most units are not designed to cool a house below that point, and you risk the system freezing up. I recommend trying to keep your house below 80 degrees at all times during the summer.

Is 75 a good temperature for air conditioning?

Typically, our bodies are most comfortable when the air inside our home is 74-76 degrees. So, a safe setting is 75 degrees. However, this is only necessary when you're in your home.

How can I improve my AC cooling?

Effective Ways to Increase Air Conditioner Efficiency
  1. Unblock and Vacuum Your Vents. ...
  2. Close All the Doors and Windows. ...
  3. Clean Around the Condenser Unit Outside. ...
  4. Keep All Heat-Producing Appliances Away from Your Thermostat. ...
  5. Fix Any Leaks in Your Attic, Around Your Windows, or Under Your Doors.


How can I cool my room faster with AC?

Close the windows and doors while you keep the AC on

Also, it is advisable to avoid opening and shutting the door frequently to prevent the cool air from escaping the room. You can also consider having blinds or curtains over the windows to prevent the sunlight from directly entering the room.

Is it good to turn your thermostat up and down?

Whether you leave for a short period of time or for many hours at a time, it's always best to keep your home hotter during the day and turn your thermostat back down when you arrive home. Some homeowners don't consider turning their HVAC completely off when they leave the house.

When should you lower your thermostat?

You can easily save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to around 68°F while you're awake and setting it lower while you're asleep or away from home.


How much can I save if I turn my thermostat down?

The Department of Energy estimates savings of about 1 percent for each degree of thermostat adjustment per 8 hours, and recommends turning thermostats back 7 to 10 degrees from their normal settings for 8 hours per day to achieve annual savings of up to 10%.

How cool should my house be if it's 110 outside?

The majority of air conditioning units are designed to only cool the air about 20 degrees from the outside temperature. If the temperatures outside are approaching triple digits, you should set your thermostat at about 78°.

Is 72 degrees too cold for AC?

When setting your thermostat, most homeowners find 72 is a good temperature for air conditioning. However, you may need to adjust that setting based on weather conditions. The bigger the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the higher your energy bill will be.


Is 78 degrees hot with an AC?

According to Energy Star, it's an ideal temperature. 78 degrees keeps you fairly cool and comfortable during the day. It also shouldn't make your electric bill skyrocket. Start with your thermostat at 78.

What temperature should my AC be set at night?

Sleeping in a room with the air conditioner set to an appropriate temperature is important for quality sleep. The ideal AC temperature for sleeping is around 65°F (18.3°C). However, this may differ between individuals, who might find their ideal AC temperature lies between 60 and 67°F (15.6 and 19.4°C).

What should I set my AC to in summer?

You want to be comfortable this summer without spending a lot of money on air conditioning, right? While you ultimately must decide what temperature you feel comfortable at, the US Department of Energy and Energy Star suggest that the best AC temperature is 78°F for summer days.


Is it better to leave AC on auto?

There are benefits to having your air conditioner set to “auto” and “on.” The benefits of the “auto” setting include higher efficiency, lower energy bills, better humidity control, less wear and tear on some components, and quieter running.

Is 78 too hot for a house?

It turns out that the best indoor temperature for your home during the summer months is 78 degrees, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. If that temperature falls outside your comfort level, there are several ways to modify how your home feels without causing your energy bill to spike.

Is it cheaper to leave AC on all day?

Your AC will actually run longer overall if it is left on all day instead of being shut off. If you turn it off for part of the day, it runs less and results in more energy savings for you. In almost all cases, it will save you money to shut off your AC while you are away from home.


Is 75 degrees too hot for house?

Generally, our bodies are most comfortable when the air inside of our home is within a degree or two of a steady 75 degrees F during the hot, summer months. This temperature setting, however, is only necessary when your house is occupied during waking hours.