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

Key Takeaways

• The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat between 75-78°F when you're home during the summer.
• Raising the temperature 7-10°F while you're away can help reduce your energy bills.
• Two-story homes benefit from zoning or strategic fan use to balance temperatures.
• Smart thermostats can automate energy-saving adjustments based on your habits.
• Ceiling fans, blinds, and efficient appliance use can help keep you cool without lowering the thermostat too much.
• Consistently high summer energy bills may be a sign that it’s time for an AC upgrade.

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.

What About Thermostat Settings While You Sleep? Nighttime temperatures matter just as much when it comes to comfort and efficiency. While 78°F might feel fine during the day, many people prefer a cooler bedroom when sleeping. The good news? You don’t need to drop your thermostat drastically to get better rest.

Using a fan to circulate air, swapping in breathable bedding, and allowing cooler nighttime air to naturally lower your home’s temperature can all help improve sleep without overworking your AC. If you’re looking for more detailed guidance, check out our post on what temperature to sleep in for comfort and savings.

For homes with smart thermostats, consider programming a slight temperature drop before bed and a gradual increase by morning. This maintains comfort while minimizing energy waste.

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.

When to Adjust and When to Upgrade

If you find yourself constantly adjusting the thermostat just to stay comfortable, your system may not be performing as efficiently as it should. Older units often struggle to maintain even cooling, especially during peak summer months. Frequent temperature swings or long cooling cycles can be signs of wear, poor airflow, or outdated technology. In these cases, small changes to your thermostat settings may not be enough to deliver real savings. Upgrading to a newer, high-efficiency unit can improve comfort, reduce energy waste, and give you more control over your indoor environment. 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 it. Get an instant quote today.