What Temperature Should I Have My AC Set At?

Even though summer is officially over, the high temperatures in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, probably haven’t gotten the message yet. In 2021, the temperatures didn’t stop breaking 80° Fahrenheit until November. While the autumn months are an excellent time to have any maintenance and repair work done for your system to keep it performing well, it’s also a good idea to ask the technician questions. One of the most common questions we hear is, “What temperature should I have my AC set at?” We’ll discuss some common temperature set points and explain the optimal temperature for your AC.

Is 68 Degrees a Good Idea?

While it’s understandable you want to keep comfortable when it’s somewhere in the 90s outside. 68 degrees isn’t a recommended temperature to keep as a setting for your air conditioner. The refrigerant in the AC doesn’t absorb heat as effectively, which causes the evaporator coil to freeze and renders your unit inoperable until the coil defrosts. Setting your AC to this temperature also causes it to work harder, which increases its wear and tear.

Is 72 Degrees a Good Idea?

Contrary to what many believe, having your thermostat set to a lower temperature does not cool your home faster. 72 degrees is slightly warmer than 68, but it’s still not the best temperature to keep as a threshold on your air conditioner. When the temperatures are hot outside, it still takes a lot of work and energy to bring or keep the temperatures in your home at 72 degrees.

Is 74 Degrees a Good Idea?

74 degrees is getting warmer, both metaphorically and regarding temperature. Your AC unit doesn’t have to work nearly as hard at this temperature as it would if you set the thermostat to 72 or 68 degrees. You also don’t consume as much energy and are on the lower end of the optimal temperature range to keep your AC thermostat.

Is 78 Degrees a Good Idea?

As strange as it may sound, 78 degrees is considered the sweet spot between comfort, the optimal happiness of their AC, and energy savings. Many people balk at this temperature, thinking it strange since it’s so close to what many consider hot. When you experience 90+ degrees outside, plus humidity, 78 degrees is a welcome break. Plus, there are other ways to improve the comfort of your home, such as keeping windows and curtains closed, using ceiling fans, and a dehumidifier.

The experienced technicians at Air Creation Heating and Cooling know how to take care of your heating and cooling systems. If you’re having problems with your current air conditioner, we will look and see how it handles. Contact us today if you have any questions or need a new cooling system for your Baton Rouge home.