What Temperature to Set Air Conditioner in Summer Posted on September 10, 2025 The summer season is usually peak cooling season, and when utilities spike for most homes. Based on the latest figures, the average household cooling cost in 2025 is estimated to hit $784, a 4.2% uptick from the previous year and a massive 14% difference from just 5 years ago. When the heat rolls in, one of the first questions homeowners ask is: What temperature should I set my AC to? To help you out, we created this summer guide to help you determine the best air conditioner temperature settings for summer. We cover different home scenarios, so you can enjoy cool chilly comfort while keeping those dreaded bills at bay. Let’s get started! The General AC Temperature for Summer According to the US Department of Energy, 78°F is the recommended thermostat setting in summer for households that are occupied during the day. At this temperature, most people feel comfortable while keeping energy usage manageable. When you’re away or asleep, you can raise the temperature slightly: Between 82–85°F when away Between 75–78°F while sleeping But of course every household is different. So let’s break it down by home types, scenarios and settings. Nighttime Cooling Recommended setting: 74–76°F for most households. Our bodies naturally cool down at night, so you don’t need the thermostat to be as low as during the day. Nighttime air temperatures are also cooler compared to the daytime. Use breathable bedding paired with a ceiling fan to stay comfortable with a higher thermostat setting. Summer AC Setting Based on Home Type 🏠 Single-Family Homes Recommended setting: 76–78°F when occupied 82°F when away Larger homes tend to hold heat longer, and the AC works harder to cool multiple rooms. Setting your thermostat in the recommended range balances cooling needs and utility bills. One practical cooling tip is to use ceiling fans to improve indoor air circulation. While fans don’t technically lower ambient room temperature, the circulating breeze makes it feel up to 4°F cooler, allowing you to keep the thermostat slightly higher. 🏢 Apartments and Condos Recommended setting: 74–77°F when home 80°F when away Smaller residential units heat up and cool down more quickly. If you live in a multi-unit building, the shared walls help insulate from the outdoor temps, so you may not need as much cooling. If your apartment or condo unit doesn’t have central air, consider using a portable AC or window AC unit for targeted cooling, and set it to “energy saver” mode when away. Summer AC Setting Based on Household 🧑🧒🧒 Homes with Children Recommended setting: 74–76°F. Children are more sensitive to heat, especially babies and toddlers. A slightly cooler setting helps maintain comfort and prevent overheating. Keep rooms well-ventilated. Ensure ceiling fans are also child-safe by keeping them out of reach or having enclosed blades. 👵🏻Senior Households Recommended setting: 72–75°F. Older adults, particularly those aged 65 and up, are more vulnerable to heat stress and dehydration. Keeping the AC a bit cooler can reduce health risks while still being energy-conscious. If you live in a humid climate like Florida (where older snowbirds tend to migrate after retirement), consider pairing your AC with a dehumidifier. Humidity can make rooms feel hotter than they really are. A dehumidifier helps lower the moisture level in the air to ward off that hot and sticky feeling. 🐶 Homes with Pets Recommended setting: 75–78°F. Most dogs and cats are comfortable in this range. Setting it warmer may cause pets to overheat, especially breeds with thick coats or respiratory issues. Snub-nosed breeds also have higher risks of heat stress, as their shorter snouts mean they are unable to pant as efficiently as other dogs. If you’re away during the day, avoid turning off your AC completely. Instead, set it around 78–80°F to keep your furry family members safe. Summer AC Temps Based on Home Setting 💸 Energy-Conscious Households Recommended setting: 78–80°F, plus fans. According to the DOE, every degree you raise your thermostat above 72°F can save 3–5% on cooling costs. Households focused on lowering bills or energy usage should take advantage of fans and dehumidifiers to lessen the energy load on the AC. A smart or programmable thermostat also helps lower bills by automatically raising the temperature when you’re away, and turning it down before you return. 💻 Home Offices / Work-from-Home Households Recommended setting: 74–76°F in the workspace. Working long hours at a desk requires concentration. Too much heat can cause fatigue, and that home workstation produces heat that requires cooling. If possible, use a zoned mini split to cool only your home office instead of the entire house during work hours. This helps reduce wasted energy while ensuring your workspace stays cool and comfortable for long sessions. 💦 Humid Climates Recommended setting: 73–76°F. For homes located in humid zones, high humidity makes the air feel hotter. This applies to coastal areas or those located further down south. A slightly cooler thermostat setting ensures comfort. But more important is a dehumidifier or an AC with a “dry mode”. These help reduce moisture, allowing you to keep the thermostat higher without sacrificing comfort. 🌵 Dry or Desert Climates Recommended setting: 76–80°F. On the flip side of humid areas are desert homes. The dry desert air feels cooler than humid air at the same temperature. As such, you can set your thermostat higher without feeling uncomfortable. For such zones, an evaporative cooler (also known as swamp coolers) are an ideal cooling solution to complement the AC. They are energy-efficient, cost less to run than conventional ACs, and are perfectly suited for dry climates since they have a humidifying effect. Summary 78°F is the DOE-recommended baseline for summer cooling. Adjust your thermostat depending on household needs such as children, seniors, pets, and climate conditions. Fans and dehumidifiers can help you raise the thermostat without sacrificing comfort. Programmable or smart thermostats maximize savings by automatically adjusting the temperature based on occupancy or time. By choosing the right AC temperature for summer, you and your family can stay cool and comfy, while keeping your wallet chill. Check out our related content: 5 Ways to Reduce Cooling Costs in Summer The Best Humidity Level for Home in Summer Mickey Luongo Mickey is the resident heating and air conditioning expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry.
