What’s the Best Summer Thermostat Setting for Comfort and Savings?

When the summer heat starts to roll in, it’s instinctual to quickly crank up the air conditioner. Before running to the thermostat, pause, and take a moment to think about what your home’s ideal temperature is. Is it one that is sustainable for your comfort and energy bill? Let’s break down what the best AC temperature is for energy savings and comfort in the summer.

The Sweet Spot for Summer Thermostat Settings

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 75-78°F is considered the ideal thermostat setting when you are home and awake. When you’re away it is suggested to adjust your AC’s thermostat settings in order to save, especially in the summer. Increasing your thermostat up by 7-10 degrees in the summer can result in noticeable energy savings. Setting your AC’s thermostat temp to around 85°F when you’re not home helps reduce strain on your AC.

If you’re going on vacation in the summer, you can set your thermostat even higher. Just don’t shut your AC off completely, especially if you live in an area where high temperatures could damage electronics or surfaces.

Best Thermostat Settings for Two-Story Homes

Two-story homes can be difficult in the summer. Hot air rises naturally, so the upstairs tends to be warmer. If you have a multi-zone or dual-zone HVAC system, you can set the upstairs thermostat a few degrees cooler than the downstairs to keep your home balanced. For single-zone systems, using fans upstairs can help move air around evenly without forcing your AC to overcompensate.

Smart Thermostats Make It Easier

If you’re constantly adjusting your thermostat throughout the day, a smart thermostat is a great option to take the guesswork out of comfort. Many models learn your routine and automatically adjust settings for your comfort and energy savings.

Plus, you can control it from your phone, so if you forget to raise the thermostat before leaving the house, it’s no problem.

Quick Tips to Stay Cool Without Dropping the Temp

• Use ceiling fans to circulate air and make rooms feel cooler
  
• Close blinds and curtains during peak sun hours
  
• Cook outdoors or with smaller appliances to avoid heating up your home
  
• Replace air filters regularly to keep your system running efficiently
  

Set It and Save

Although there’s not a magic number for everyone, setting your thermostat to 78°F during the day is a good starting point for when you are home. A few simple adjustments, like raising the temperature 7-10 degrees when you’re away or using fans to help circulate air, can go a long way in keeping both your home and energy bill comfortable. If your current system is struggling to keep up, it might be time for an upgrade. Mint Home makes replacing your AC easy, so you can stay cool all summer without overpaying for comfort.