When summer arrives, you may face a blast of heat whenever you step outside your door. When you get home, you want to be able to relax in comfort. While turning your thermostat down in the low 70s or even 60s may sound like a good idea, it forces your AC to work harder, spiking your energy bills.
In fact, every degree above 72℉ that you set your thermostat can save you up to 3% off your energy bill.
So what’s the best thermostat setting for summer? We’ll discuss some general rules of thumb to follow, plus some special considerations that might require you to adjust the temperature.
Best Thermostat Setting For Summer
The best summer thermostat setting will largely depend on your specific circumstances. Factors to consider include whether you’re at home, if you have pets or a baby, and even if you or a loved one are pregnant.
1. The Best Temperature Settings When You’re at Home During the Summer
You want to stay cool and comfortable when you’re at home in the summer. However, you also want to avoid very high energy bills. To strike the best balance, set your thermostat to 78℉. This is the level the US Department of Energy recommends for when you’re at home.
If this does not provide enough relief from the heat, you may also want to use a dehumidifier. Schedule an appointment with your local HVAC team to get help optimizing your system’s efficiency.
2. The Best Setting for Your Thermostat While Not at Home During the Summer
When you’re away from home, you can set the temperature slightly higher to save money. About 7 to 10℉ is adequate. In fact, if you bump up the thermostat any time you are away for two or more hours, you could save up to 10% on your cooling costs. Therefore, the optimal thermostat setting for summer when you’re away from home is 88℉.
If you have a programmable thermostat, have it lower the temperature a little while before you come back. This will ensure you return to a comfortable home.
Plus, this will make it easier to cool your home back down when you return. This is because the higher temperature makes heat flow more slowly into your home. Your local HVAC professional can help you choose and install a programmable thermostat to simplify scheduling temperature changes.
3. The Best Thermostat Temperature Setting If You Have a Baby
Babies have a more difficult time regulating their body temperature. This makes them prone to stress and injury if exposed to temperatures outside their safe zone. To reduce this risk, make sure to keep the average room temperature between 65℉ and 74℉.
If their room becomes too warm, your baby may be at risk of SIDS. Keeping your AC unit in top shape and getting it repaired quickly if it’s not running well is critical. In addition, make sure to use light and breathable fabrics in the summer. You might also consider using a fan in the baby’s bedroom, as this could decrease the risk of SIDS by up to 72%.
4. The Best Thermostat Temperature Setting If You Have Pets
Pets are also prone to injury if they become too warm. To best protect them, set your thermostat between 75℉ to 78℉ when you are at home. Luckily, this lines up with recommendations that will keep you comfortable too.
Pets with heavy coats and those that are larger will appreciate keeping the temperature a bit lower. Older animals tend to prefer slightly warmer temperatures, especially if they have joint conditions. For example, if you have a husky, keep the temperature closer to 75℉ so they don’t get too warm. If you have a short-haired cat, they may be more comfortable with 78℉.
When you leave for the day, you may want to adjust the temperature slightly to save money. However, your pets still need to stay comfortable. Therefore, make sure you don’t set the temperature above 80℉. Accessing a cool area, such as a basement or area with tile flooring and fresh water, will also help them stay comfortable.
5. The Best Thermostat Temperature Setting for Pregnant Women
Unfortunately, there is no perfect temperature to keep your home at during pregnancy. Your hormones can change and adjust your feelings, even during the same day. Because of this, we recommend keeping your thermostat at 78℉. However, you may need to adjust it depending on how you feel on a specific day.
If you experience night sweats, you may have difficulty getting a good night’s sleep. However, in the morning, you may wake up chilled. To stay comfortable, contact Eanes and have us install a programmable thermostat. Set it to be cooler at night and slightly warmer before you wake up.
Tips to Maximize Cooling Efforts in Your Home
Choosing the best thermostat temperature for summer isn’t the only thing you can do to maximize your comfort and energy savings. By preventing cool air from escaping and warm air from entering your home, you can help your AC run much more efficiently.
Staying current on routine HVAC maintenance can keep your system in top shape. Make sure to inspect your unit occasionally and change your air filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Related Article: HVAC Maintenance Checklist
Hanging sunlight-blocking window treatments is a great way to prevent heat from entering through your windows. You should also replace old weatherstripping and apply caulk around windows and doors. This will help keep your home sealed.
Ceiling fans can be an effective way of increasing airflow. This improves the cooling efficiency of your HVAC system. In addition, if your cooling unit is aging, you may want to replace it. Installing a new energy-efficient model will allow your system to cool your home while saving you energy.
Finally, remember that certain appliances generate heat. Try not to use the stove or oven until after 8 pm. This can be a great excuse to grill outside during the summer.
Call Eanes for Thermostat Replacement
If you want to keep your home cool while still saving on your energy bills, a modern, programmable thermostat is just what you’re looking for. You’ll be able to schedule temperature changes and ensure you get the best setting, whether at home or away.
Our HVAC team is ready to assist you in installing your new thermostat. We’ll help you choose the best one for your home and take care of the installation. If you’re ready to make your home comfortable while saving money on your energy bills, schedule your appointment with Eanes today.