 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. Also, it can save you money to turn the temperature up while you're gone, but turning off the system would cost you more money.