Staying cool while maximizing energy efficiency is essential during the hottest months of the year. By understanding how to set your thermostat and making a few simple adjustments to your daily routine, you can improve comfort, reduce energy bills, and minimize unnecessary strain on your air conditioning system. Here is a guide to the best thermostat settings for summer.
Why Summer Thermostat Settings Matter
Summer temperatures can climb quickly, making it tempting to set your thermostat much lower than necessary. However, doing so can make your home uncomfortably cold, waste energy, place additional strain on your cooling system, and increase the likelihood of needing AC repair. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F while you are home during the summer. This temperature provides a good balance between comfort and energy efficiency. Each degree you raise your thermostat above 72°F can reduce cooling costs, making a noticeable difference throughout the season.
How to Optimize Comfort and Savings
A setting of 78°F is a great starting point, but every household has different comfort preferences. If that temperature feels too warm, try increasing your usual setting by one or two degrees and give yourself time to adjust. Many homeowners discover they can enjoy meaningful energy savings without sacrificing comfort by maintaining a consistent thermostat setting instead of making frequent, dramatic adjustments.
When you leave home for several hours, such as during the workday or while running errands, raise the thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees. Setting it to around 85°F while you’re away can significantly reduce energy consumption. If you are leaving for an extended vacation, raising the temperature while keeping it below 90°F helps conserve energy while protecting your home and managing indoor humidity.
Smart Thermostats: The Modern Advantage
Smart thermostats make it easier than ever to maintain comfort while improving efficiency. These devices allow you to create schedules that automatically adjust temperatures based on your daily routine. You can also control your thermostat remotely using a smartphone, allowing your home to cool down shortly before you arrive while avoiding unnecessary energy use when no one is home. This approach keeps your home comfortable while reducing wear on your heating and cooling equipment.
Complement Your Air Conditioning with Additional Strategies
Your thermostat is only one part of an energy-efficient cooling plan. These additional strategies can help your air conditioning system perform more efficiently:
-
Close blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day to reduce solar heat gain.
-
Run ceiling fans in a counterclockwise direction during the summer to create a cooling breeze. Turn them off when rooms are unoccupied to conserve energy.
-
Limit the use of heat-producing appliances, such as ovens, stoves, and dryers, during the hottest hours of the day. Use them in the evening whenever possible.
-
Consider using a dehumidifier if indoor humidity levels become excessive. Lower humidity makes your home feel cooler and allows your air conditioning system to operate more efficiently.
If your cooling system is older or requires frequent repairs, upgrading to a high-efficiency air conditioning system can improve comfort while reducing energy consumption. Modern systems with high SEER2 ratings and variable-speed technology provide reliable, year-round performance.
Schedule Pre-Summer Maintenance
Routine maintenance is one of the best ways to keep your air conditioning system operating efficiently throughout the summer. Schedule a professional AC tune-up each spring to ensure your filters are clean, refrigerant levels are correct, and all system components are functioning properly. Preventive maintenance helps improve efficiency, extends equipment life, and reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns during the hottest days of the year.
Contact the Comfort Experts
Ready to enjoy a cooler, more comfortable home this summer? National Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. provides comprehensive cooling services, including smart thermostat installation, seasonal AC maintenance, and dependable AC repair. Contact our team today to learn how to maximize your comfort and keep your cooling system operating at peak performance. We proudly serve homeowners in Talent, OR. Give us a call at (541) 535-4687 or fill out our contact form to get started.
