Set Your AC to This Temperature to Save Money and Stay Cool This Summer

As a dangerous heat wave pushes temperatures into the triple digits across parts of the U.S. this week, millions of Americans are relying on their air conditioners to keep cool.

But with AC units working overtime, many households are also likely to see their electricity bills climb. The National Energy Assistance Directors Association projects the average U.S. household will spend about $792 on electricity during this year’s June-to-September cooling season — up more than 10% from last summer.

Fortunately, energy experts say there’s a thermostat setting that can help strike a balance between staying comfortable and using less energy, along with a handful of simple strategies that may lower your energy costs even further.

The best AC temperature to save money this summer

If you’re looking to cut your cooling costs, most energy experts recommend setting your thermostat in the mid-to-upper 70s while you’re home and using air conditioning, then raising it as high as you can comfortably tolerate.

Energy Star, the energy-efficiency program run by the Environmental Protection Agency, has long recommended 78 degrees as its benchmark for balancing comfort and savings. Others say 76 is the sweet spot. Meanwhile, the Department of Energy recommends starting between 75 and 78 degrees.

It’s also wise to raise the temperature when you’re away from home to save additional energy. A programmable or smart thermostat can make that easier to manage.

The idea is to keep your home as warm as is comfortably possible, as the less your air conditioner has to work, the less energy it uses. That’s why even small adjustments can add up over time. According to Cornell Cooperative Extension, raising your thermostat by just 1 degree can reduce cooling costs by roughly 3% to 5%.

Still, the “right” thermostat setting depends on your household’s comfort level, budget, local climate and humidity, as well as factors like your home’s insulation and window quality.

In fact, air moving in and out through windows accounts for approximately 25% to 30% of residential heating and cooling energy use, meaning window quality and sealing can significantly affect how hard your AC system has to work.

Other ways to reduce cooling costs this summer

Your thermostat isn't the only place where small changes can help lower your electric bill. A few small adjustments can help reduce how hard your AC system has to work during the summer:

• Use ceiling fans: Fans don't actually lower the temperature, but they help circulate cool air, making the argument for turning up the thermostat a little more reasonable. A good rule of thumb: Run ceiling fans counterclockwise during the summer (and clockwise during the winter).
• Shut blinds and curtains when the sun is strongest: Window coverings help block direct sunlight, preventing indoor temperatures from rising and reducing the strain on your AC during the hottest parts of the day.
• Replace your HVAC filters regularly: Dirty air filters restrict airflow, forcing your AC system to work harder and use more energy. Experts generally recommend replacing your filter every one to two months, although the ideal schedule depends on the type of filter and your household.
• Avoid using heat-generating appliances during the afternoons: Ovens, stovetops and even dryers can warm your home during the hottest hours of the day, forcing your AC to run longer. This can be especially noticeable in small spaces.
• Seal gaps around windows and doors: Air leaks allow cool air to escape, increasing your cooling costs. Weatherstripping and caulking around doors and windows can help keep air inside.