What’s the Best Temperature for Air Conditioning in Summer?

Published 6/16/2025

The recommended air conditioning temperature in summer is 78 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, this is because it's optimal for energy usage. Many sources also suggest to change your thermostat when you're away from your home. In this case, the best temperature to set would be 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

For Midwest homeowners, especially during humid Chicago-area summers, maintaining the right air conditioning temperature in summer protects your home from moisture buildup, HVAC system strain, and unnecessary energy costs. Mr. Duct offers expert AC maintenance services to make sure your unit runs efficiently all summer long.  Schedule your service today for peace of mind before the next heat wave hits.

What Temperature Setting Is Best When You're Away?

When you leave home for work or vacation, it’s best to set the temperature on your thermostat higher to save energy while keeping your house safe. In summer, AC experts suggest raising the setting to 82 degrees. This higher air conditioning temperature in summer saves on cooling costs, but still keeps humidity in check to prevent mold or mildew. It's not recommended to turn off the AC completely, especially during humid Midwest summers. If you're going to be gone for several weeks, keeping the thermostat around 82 degrees should protect plants and electronics.

How Smart Home Systems Help Maintain The Ideal AC Temperature

Smart home systems and thermostats take the guesswork out of comfort. They learn your routines and adjust automatically. A smart thermostat can raise the temperature when everyone leaves for work or school, then cool the house back down before you arrive home. Modern smart home systems also come with dedicated apps, allowing homeowners to monitor and control temperatures, lighting, and more.

Your Ceiling Fan's Role During the Summer Months

A ceiling fan is a simple way to feel cooler without running the AC longer. During the summer months, set the fan blades to rotate counterclockwise. This pushes air downward, creating a gentle breeze and a wind-chill effect. Then, you can raise the thermostat 2 or 3 degrees and still remain comfortable.

One thing to keep in mind is that ceiling fans cool people, not rooms. We recommend turning off the fan when you leave the room because it can waste electricity. Experts say that ceiling fans can make your home feel 4 degrees cooler, allowing you to set a higher air conditioning temperature in summer. Fans can also help sweat evaporate, which is convenient during humid days in the Chicagoland area.

Other Ways to Keep Your Home Cooler During Summer

Beyond AC, several cooling strategies can keep your Midwest home comfortable on hot days. Use these in combination for the best effect:

• Block Out the Sun: Keep blinds or curtains closed shut on south- and west-facing windows during the hottest part of the day. Sunlight through glass can raise indoor heat quickly. Some homeowners install reflective window film or solar shades to cut solar gain.
• Ventilate Smartly: Take advantage of cooler mornings and evenings by opening windows after sunset to flush out hot air, then close them and start your AC or fans when outside temperatures rise.
• Seal and Insulate: Inspect for air leaks around windows, doors, and attic access. Use weatherstripping and caulking to seal gaps so cooled air doesn't escape, and hot air doesn't sneak in. Well-insulated ceilings and walls also slow heat flow, so your air conditioner has less work to do.
• Appliance Timing: Avoid using ovens or dryers during mid-day heat. You can also run dishwashers and washing machines at night. The heat generated by these appliances can add a few degrees to your home if used during peak heat.

By combining shading, airflow, and efficient habits, you can keep your house cooler overall. Each degree lowered by these efforts means a steady air conditioning temperature in summer, so your home stays more comfortable without blasting the AC.

How to Reduce Cooling Costs Without Sacrificing Comfort

Staying cool doesn't have to mean high energy bills. Take a look at these tips to help you cut costs while keeping everyone comfortable:

• Adjust Thermostat Gradually: Even increasing the setpoint by 1-2 degrees Fahrenheit can noticeably reduce your energy use, especially when combining this with ceiling fans.
• Use Zone Cooling: If parts of your house, like a guest bedroom, are empty, close those vents and doors. This allows the air conditioning to focus on the rooms you use the most.
• Keep Filters Clean: A clean filter means better airflow and more efficient cooling. Check AC filters monthly and replace them as needed.
• Upgrade for More Efficiency: If your HVAC system is over 10 years old, it might be time to consult a technician from Mr. Duct about AC replacement and other ways to optimize your air conditioning temperature in summer.

Schedule Your AC Tune-Up with Mr. Duct

Now that you know all these tips for a cool, efficient home, make sure your air conditioner is ready for the job. The friendly experts at Mr. Duct are here to help Midwest homeowners stay comfortable all year long. Our certified HVAC technicians will thoroughly inspect and clean your system.

Regular AC maintenance services keep your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently. Staying proactive is key to managing your air conditioning temperature in summer effectively. The best time for a thorough AC tune-up is in spring before the hottest weather hits. Even if it's past spring, it's always a good idea to have a professional technician from a reputable HVAC company like Mr. Duct inspect your refrigerant levels, clean the evaporator and condenser coils, check electrical connections, and ensure the thermostat is calibrated. Schedule service today and save on air conditioning cleaning services with our coupon.