The ideal temperature to set your air conditioner in winter depends on various factors such as the time of day, location, and whether you have a baby in the room. However, most sources agree that the best temperature to set your thermostat in winter is 68 degrees Fahrenheit when youre at home. This temperature strikes a balance between staying comfortable and saving energy. According to Energy.gov, you can get a 5-15% reduction of your energy usage per year if you lower your thermostat by 10-15 degrees for eight hours a day.

It is important to note that most air conditioners are not designed for cold weather use, and some even have factory-installed low-ambient controls, which help prevent functioning in low temperatures. Certain air conditioners can be used in the winter, but you’ll most likely be running your system outside its designed parameters. If you choose to run your air conditioner when the temperatures are too low, you may risk causing significant harm to your unit. Most HVAC manufacturers recommend users don’t run their air conditioners for long periods of time if the temperature drops below 60 degrees. If you use it in lower temperatures, you risk compressor failure and frozen coils.

When using your air conditioner for heating, adjust the thermostat settings appropriately to save on energy costs. To do so, it is recommended to keep your thermostat within the 68-75 degree range for the best results.