06/12/2026
ICS PSA: Turning your thermostat way down into the 60s does not make your AC cool the house faster.
Your air conditioner does not “work harder” because you set it to 62°. It runs at the same capacity — it just runs longer.
For perspective, ACCA Manual J uses 75°F indoor temperature at 50% relative humidity as the standard summer cooling design condition. ASHRAE also advises setting thermostats at 76°F or above when the home is occupied during the day.
That does not mean every home will feel perfect at those exact numbers, but it does mean that constantly setting the thermostat into the low 60s is not how residential AC systems are designed to operate.
If your home is struggling to cool during peak afternoon or evening heat, the issue is usually not the thermostat setting. It could be heat gain, insulation, ductwork, airflow, system sizing, humidity, or the home itself holding heat.
Set the thermostat to a reasonable temperature, give the system time to do its job, and avoid forcing the equipment to run nonstop.
Comfort is not just about the number on the thermostat — it is about how the entire home and HVAC system work together.
Morris Sussex Sports
