The article discusses optimal air conditioning settings during extreme heat, recommending an indoor temperature between 76 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit to balance comfort and energy savings. It emphasizes that each degree raised can save 3-5% on electric bills. Additional tips for staying cool include closing blinds to lower temperatures by up to 20 degrees, using fans to enhance cooling efficiency, turning off unneeded lights, and regularly changing air filters to maintain AC efficiency. The article stresses energy conservation without compromising comfort during heatwaves.

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What's The Best Temperature To Set Your AC During Extreme Heat?

There's a money-saving sweet spot that doesn't sacrifice comfort.

Molly Burford

Molly Burford is a contributing writer with almost 10 years of experience in digital media. Her work has appeared in Teen Vogue, Allure, Thought Catalog, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Wikileaf, among others. She is also the author of The No Worries Workbook, a guide to handling everyday worries.

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Published on July 01, 2026

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Woman switching on air conditioner

Credit: Getty Images

As a heatwave makes its way across swaths of the United States starting today and through 4th of July weekend, including parts of the South, air conditioners are about to be put to work to help keep everyone safe, cool, and comfortable. But what is the best temperature to run your AC at during extreme heat? Are there ways to conserve energy without sacrificing comfort (and having a record high electric bill)? The answer is yes.

Here's the best temperature to set your AC at during a heatwave, as well as other tips for keeping cool during extreme weather.

What’s The Best AC Temperature During Extreme Heat?

The official answer to this question will vary based on the expert you ask. According to National Grid, for example, the best indoor temperature is 78 degrees. ADT Security Systems, on the other hand, recommends setting your indoor temperature to 76 degrees. Ultimately, it will come down to your desired comfort level and budget. You may prefer to keep your AC set lower if these expert-recommended temperatures feel too warm for you and your family.

That said, it is important to understand how setting your AC to a lower temperature will impact your electric bill. For example, according to Cornell Cooperative Extension, you can cut costs on your summer electric bill between three and five percent for every degree you raise the temperature. This means a 75-degree setting can cost between nine and 15 percent more than if you had set it to 78 degrees, for example.

Tips For Staying Cool During A Heatwave

woman using fan during hot weather

Credit: Maria Korneeva / Getty Images

In addition to setting your air conditioner to the right temperature, there are other strategies to keep your home cooler during a heatwave, including:

Close your blinds : Shutting your blinds is one easy fix for helping things stay cooler inside. In fact, this can keep things up to 20 degrees cooler! And if you have window coverings such as curtains, closing those can also help.
Use fans along with your air conditioning : National Grid also recommends using fans with your AC, such as a ceiling fan, oscillating fan, or box fan, which can help keep air circulating throughout your home. As it turns out, ceiling fans can actually allow you to raise your thermostat by around four degrees without feeling the impact to your comfort. Another pro tip: Run your ceiling fan counterclockwise for the most cooling effects during the summertime.
Turn off lights when not in use: Lightbulbs emit heat, so keeping your lights off when you don't need them can make a difference in your comfort levels during a heatwave. Plus, this is such an easy way to keep your electric bill lower since you will be saving energy.
Change your air filter : Did you know that a dirty air filter can actually make your air conditioner run less efficiently? This is why replacing your air filter when it's time can help you conserve energy, stay cooler, and save money. It's a win-win-win across the board.