What Should I Set My Thermostat at in the Summer?

Experts Weigh In: As temperatures rise across the country, many homeowners are asking: What’s the ideal thermostat setting for summer? Striking the right balance between comfort and energy efficiency can be tricky, but experts have some clear recommendations.

The Recommended Temperature

The U.S. Department of Energy suggests setting your thermostat to 78°F (26°C) when you're at home and awake. This temperature keeps you comfortable while minimizing energy consumption. If that feels too warm, you can adjust it slightly, but every degree lower can increase cooling costs by 6-8%.

Adjust When You’re Away or Asleep

To save even more:

• When you’re away: Raise the setting by 7-10°F (or use a programmable thermostat to do it automatically).

• At night: If you use fans, you can set the thermostat a few degrees higher since moving air makes you feel cooler.

Tips for Maximizing Comfort

• Use ceiling fans to create a breeze, allowing you to set the thermostat higher without sacrificing comfort.

• Close blinds and curtains during peak sunlight to reduce heat gain.

• Seal leaks around windows and doors to keep cool air in.

Smart Thermostats Can Help

Devices like the OCSTAT's programmable thermostat learn your schedule and adjust temperatures automatically, optimizing both comfort and savings.

By following these guidelines, you can stay cool this summer without overworking your AC—or your wallet.

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