The Best AC Temperature To Save You Money And Energy

U.S. Consumers are not only facing higher temperatures in the summer of 2025, but also higher prices for natural gas and other energy sources. According to The Wall Street Journal, this is pushing air conditioning costs up by 4%, with the average American home spending $186 a month on air conditioning, and even up to $200 in some areas of the country like New England. As climate change and other environmental factors continue to warm the world, prices are likely to go up in summers yet to come. This could leave you wondering how to save money while still staying comfortable.

If you are looking for budget-friendly and low-cost solutions that can help reduce heat in your garage, home, and place of business during the hottest months of the summer, try setting your air conditioner to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Consumer Reports suggests setting the temperature in your home to 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you are there, 82 degrees Fahrenheit when you are sleeping, and 85 degrees Fahrenheit when out of the house can get the most cost effective savings while still feeling comfortable. Plus, National Heating and Air Conditioning noted that your utility bill can drop between 1% and 3% for each degree your thermostat is upped to, depending on how well your HVAC unit performs and the overall structure of your house, office, or business. Plus, smart thermostats can help you save even more money, while helping you monitor the temperature throughout the day. 

Most people could use some tips and tricks to save money on their electric bill every month. To know exactly what you are paying when it comes to air conditioning, specifically, it's important to break down the various aspects of what factors into the cost of keeping you cool. There are a ton of potential options to choose from depending on your needs, as well as your price point, with smaller window units starting at $150 to central air systems costing $20,000 or more, with set up installation being anywhere from free of charge, if you do it yourself, or up to $15,000 for professional installation, per Portacool. For those that opt for a central HVAC system, regular maintenance comes with an estimated average cost of $250 depending on the model, where you live, and the season, according to Angi – though some repair jobs can cost as much as $2,000. 

Unfortunately, the cost of buying a new unit has gone up in 2025, due to the Environmental Protection Agency changing the regulations for energy-efficiency in air conditioners. This can make a unit 20% to 25% more expensive to purchase as manufactures insert new and expensive materials and technology to meet these new standards. With that said, if you are looking to save money on your energy bill, consider switching to fans, closing blinds or curtains, and finding ways to naturally ventilate your house as alternative cooling methods with lower price tags.