Summer brings sweltering heat, and with it comes the annual thermostat debate: comfort versus cost. You want your home to feel like a cool oasis when you walk through the door, but those energy bills can be brutal. So what temperature should you set the thermostat to in summer? To find the right balance, you need to keep your HVAC system running efficiently while maintaining a comfortable living space for your family.
Let’s explore the science-backed recommendations and practical strategies that can help you stay comfortable while keeping your cooling costs under control.
Recommended Summer Thermostat Settings
The U.S. Department of Energy has studied optimal thermostat settings extensively, and its recommendations might surprise you. These guidelines are based on research that balances energy efficiency, cost savings, and human comfort.
1. When You’re Home and Active
Set your thermostat to 78°F (25–26°C) when you’re home and awake. This temperature might feel warm initially, especially if you’re used to keeping your home at 72°F or lower.
2. When You’re Away
Increase the temperature to 85°F when nobody is home. Your empty house doesn’t need to be comfortable, and this 7-degree increase can lead to significant energy savings.
3. During Sleep Hours
Consider setting your thermostat to 82°F at night, though this depends heavily on personal preferences and sleep habits. Many people sleep better in slightly cooler environments, so you might need to experiment to find your ideal sleeping temperature.
Customizing Settings for Your Household
While the Department of Energy guidelines provide an excellent starting point, every home and family is different. Here’s how to adapt these recommendations to your specific situation.
When You’re Home All Day
Remote workers and stay-at-home parents face unique challenges since the “away” settings don’t apply. Consider these strategies:
- Adjust based on activity level: If you’re doing physical work or exercising, you might be comfortable at lower temperatures.
- Zone your cooling: Focus on keeping the rooms you’re actually using comfortable.
- Use fans strategically: Ceiling fans can make 78°F feel like 72°F by improving air circulation.
- Dress appropriately: Light, breathable fabrics help you stay comfortable at higher temperatures.
When You’re Away at Work
Traditional work schedules offer the best opportunities for energy savings:
- Program temperature increases 30 minutes after you typically leave: This prevents the system from working hard right after you’re gone.
- Begin cooling down 30 minutes before you return: Smart thermostats can use GPS or scheduled programming to ensure your home is comfortable when you arrive.
- Consider weekend adjustments: Your weekend schedule might be different from weekdays.
Optimizing Night Settings
Sleep comfort varies dramatically between individuals and households:
- Start with 78°F and adjust gradually: If this feels too warm, try 76°F for a week, then increase if possible.
- Use breathable bedding: Cotton sheets and lighter blankets help regulate body temperature.
- Position fans effectively: A fan blowing across your bed can make higher temperatures feel comfortable.
- Consider personal cooling devices: Cooling mattress pads or pillows can help without cooling the entire house.
When to Call Bell Cow Services
Even with optimal thermostat settings and good home maintenance, sometimes your cooling system needs professional attention. Watch for these warning signs:
1. Your System Struggles to Reach Set Temperatures
If your AC runs constantly but never quite reaches your target temperature, it might be undersized for your home, low on refrigerant, or experiencing mechanical issues. This problem will only get worse during the hottest days of summer.
2. Inconsistent Temperatures Throughout Your Home
Hot spots and cold spots often indicate ductwork problems, insufficient insulation, or issues with your system’s airflow. These problems force you to set your thermostat lower than necessary to keep problem areas comfortable.
3. Energy Bills Keep Rising
If your cooling costs increase significantly without changes to your usage patterns or utility rates, your system might be losing efficiency due to worn components or maintenance issues.
Stay Cool and Save Money This Summer
If you’re struggling to stay comfortable at recommended temperatures or notice that your cooling system isn’t performing as well as it should, Bell Cow Services is here to help. Our experienced technicians can diagnose system issues, recommend efficiency improvements, and help you choose the right equipment upgrades for your home.
Contact us today to schedule your summer AC maintenance and ensure your system is ready to keep you comfortable all season long.