Best Temperature for Air Conditioner to Save Electricity

The temperature you set on your air conditioner has a bigger impact on your electricity bill than almost any other factor. Setting it just a few degrees higher can cut your AC running costs significantly. Here is what the research says and how to find the right balance for your home.

The Recommended Temperature Range

Energy agencies around the world — including the US Department of Energy and the International Energy Agency — recommend setting your air conditioner to 24°C to 26°C (75°F to 78°F) when you are home and active. This range keeps most people comfortable while avoiding the steep electricity costs of lower settings.

How Much Does Each Degree Cost?

Every degree you lower your AC set temperature increases electricity consumption by approximately 6 to 8 percent. This means:

• Setting to 22°C instead of 26°C uses roughly 25–30% more electricity
• Setting to 20°C instead of 26°C uses roughly 40–50% more electricity

Over a full summer of daily use, this difference adds up to a meaningful amount on your electricity bill.

Recommended Settings by Situation

Why Higher Feels Comfortable With a Fan

Air movement makes a room feel 2°C to 3°C (3°F to 5°F) cooler than it actually is. Running a ceiling fan alongside your AC at 26°C can feel as comfortable as running the AC alone at 23°C — at a fraction of the electricity cost. The fan uses roughly 30 to 80 watts versus 1,000 to 2,500 watts for the AC compressor.

👉 DREO Smart Ceiling Fan – 52 Inch, 12 Speeds, Works with Alexa

Humidity Affects Perceived Temperature

High humidity makes a room feel warmer than the actual temperature. If your home is humid, lowering the temperature is not the only solution — running your AC in dry mode to reduce humidity can make 26°C feel as comfortable as 23°C in a humid room. This saves electricity while achieving the same comfort level.

How to Find Your Personal Optimal Temperature

1. Start at 26°C and live with it for a day.
2. If uncomfortable, lower by 0.5°C and wait 30 minutes before adjusting again.
3. Stop at the point where you feel comfortable — that is your personal optimal setting.
4. Add a ceiling fan to push that comfortable point 1°C to 2°C higher.

Monitor Your Actual Electricity Use

If you want to see exactly how much electricity your AC uses at different temperature settings, a plug-in energy monitor gives you real data. Measure usage at your current setting, then raise the temperature by 1°C and measure again to see the actual savings.

👉 PN2000 Plug-in Kilowatt Electricity Usage Monitor

Final Thoughts

The single most effective way to reduce AC electricity costs is to raise your set temperature. Every degree counts. Setting your AC to 26°C instead of 22°C can cut cooling costs by 25 to 30 percent. Pair it with a ceiling fan and you get the same comfort at a higher temperature — and a noticeably lower electricity bill.