Your air conditioner could be driving up your electricity bill this summer: the temperature experts recommend

Setting the thermostat to the wrong temperature is one of the main reasons why electricity bills skyrocket in summer. Climate control experts recommend keeping the air conditioner within a specific range when people are at home.

That range balances comfort with consumption. The closer the indoor temperature is to the outdoor temperature, the less effort the unit will need and the lower the electricity bill will be.

What is the ideal air conditioner temperature in summer?

The answer changes depending on the time of day. Keeping the same setting for 24 hours creates unnecessary spending that adds up with each billing cycle.

Recommended settings by time of day

• When people are at home: between 72°F and 78°F (22°C–26°C)
• When the house is empty: raise it 7°F above the usual temperature
• When sleeping: between 60°F and 67°F (15°C–19°C), according to the National Sleep Foundation
• When returning home: do not lower the thermostat to the minimum — it will not cool faster, it will only use more energy

How can you prevent the air conditioner from driving up your bill this summer?

Indoor humidity also affects energy use. Levels above 50% make the room feel hotter, which leads to lowering the thermostat unnecessarily. The ideal range is between 30% and 50%.

Along with temperature control, these measures reduce the unit’s workload:

• Close curtains and blinds during the sunniest hours
• Ventilate at night and close windows at dawn to retain the cool air
• Seal doors and windows to prevent hot air from entering
• Avoid using the oven, stove, or dryer during the day
• Install ceiling fans to distribute cool air more efficiently
• Use a programmable thermostat that adjusts the temperature according to the household schedule, even from your phone