 The EPA's ENERGY STAR program recommends setting air conditioners to 78 degrees for peak comfort and energy efficiency when you wake up, but not a lot of people follow that recommendation. A 2021 Consumer Reports survey found people with central air set it to a median temp of 72 degrees, much cooler than the energy-saving recommendation. In general, ENERGY STAR recommends setting the temperature 4 degrees warmer when sleeping and 7 degrees warmer when you're away from home.