Are You Setting Your A/C Temperature Correctly? Here’s The Secret
In the middle of the summer, especially during a heat wave, it’s tempting to drop your thermostat as low as it goes. You may think that a steep drop will help your home get colder faster, but it actually puts stress on your system, increases your bill, and rarely cools your space any faster. Here’s what you need to know about setting your A/C temperature the right way.
Why You Shouldn’t Crank It Down
When you set your A/C to a much lower temperature than needed, it doesn’t make the unit work faster. It only makes it run longer. This strains the system, uses more energy, and still leaves you waiting for it to get cold. Over time, it can wear down parts of your unit and make it less efficient, or worse, actively damage some of the internals.
Start At A Comfortable Baseline
The real key is to find a temperature that’s already tolerable before making any big adjustments. If your house is around 78°F, let your A/C hold there for a bit. Once that feels stable, slowly lower it by a couple degrees at a time, roughly every 20-30 minutes. This gives the unit time to catch up and helps avoid wasting energy or wearing down parts. Let the coolness build gradually rather than forcing it all at once.
Watch For Humidity, Not Just Heat
Humidity makes your home feel warmer than it really is. If your space still feels sticky even after cooling it down, it may not be the temperature that needs adjusting. Try using a dehumidifier or setting your fan to “on” instead of “auto” to keep air moving. This can help your A/C work more effectively and even help higher interior temperatures feel more comfortable.
Program It (If You Can)
If you’re constantly adjusting your thermostat by hand, you’re missing out on consistency and convenience. If you have them, use your programmable settings or smart thermostat to set slow, timed temperature drops throughout the day. This mirrors how your system works best and avoids sudden jumps that waste energy. Let your A/C do the work in the background, staying one step ahead without burning itself out.
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The real secret to cooling your home isn’t found in how cold you set your thermostat, it’s in how you get there. A steady, gradual approach lets your A/C do its job without overworking. You’ll stay comfortable, protect your system, and likely save money along the way. If you’ve been chasing fast relief, it might be time to change the pace instead.
Daniel Mitchell
