Worried the increasing heat is going to cause your electric bill to skyrocket? Not sure what the thermostat should be set at to stay comfortable and minimize energy use?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It seems like the answer would be very straightforward and simple. It\u2019s easy to say set your thermostat at 78 degrees and you\u2019re done. But in reality, the best home temperature during the summer really depends on the situation. In this post we\u2019ll provide a breakdown of the ideal temperature range based on activity in the home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The summer thermostat temperature for when you\u2019re home will feel a little more comfortable than when you\u2019re away. The general recommendation is to keep the temperature at 78 degrees Fahrenheit while you\u2019re home. If you can increase the temperature a few degrees and remain comfortable go ahead and set the thermostat a little higher. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Good to Know<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When you set your thermostat over 72 degrees you\u2019ll save energy. For every degree over 72 degrees you should save about 3% on your AC costs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you plan to be gone from your house for at least a few hours you can turn the heat up a little. The U.S. Department of Energy suggests increasing the temperature by 7-10 degrees<\/a> when you\u2019re away from home for the day. Using this temperature range for eight hours a day should reduce your electric bill by about 10%. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Good to Know<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike the wintertime, there\u2019s no risk of immediate home damage if it isn\u2019t a certain temperature inside. The goal is to get the air inside as close to the temperature outside as possible. The closer you get it the less energy you\u2019ll use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many people take vacations during the summer, especially weekend trips. You can offset the cost of a weekend vacation by bumping the temperature up by 10+ degrees the entire time you\u2019re gone. Even if the house is 90 degrees inside no one will be there to feel it, and you\u2019ll have plenty of time to get the home cooled down before you get back. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Good to Know<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you live in a hot climate, keep the temperature no higher than 85-90 degrees when you\u2019re gone. Sustained sweltering heat inside and outside of the home could damage temperature-sensitive devices and appliances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the 7-9 hours that we sleep every night (ideally) our core body temperature lowers. Researchers have discovered that the ideal temperature for sleeping is 86 degrees when a person is uncovered and undressed. It\u2019s possible to remain comfortable at night with the temperature set to 80-82 degrees when you\u2019re wearing light clothing to sleep and ditching the covers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This should definitely be a comfortable temperature range if your bedroom has a ceiling fan that can be used. You may even be able to raise the temperature over 82 degrees with the ceiling fan on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Good to Know<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Many regions of the country get a reprieve from the heat at night. It might actually cool off enough at night to shut down the AC entirely and open the windows for airflow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Below are a few more things to keep in mind no matter what the situation is or where you live. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIdeal Summer Temperature Setting When You\u2019re Away for the Day<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ideal Summer Temperature Setting When You\u2019re Away for the Weekend<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ideal Summer Temperature Setting When You\u2019re Asleep<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Things to Keep in Mind When You\u2019re Setting Your Thermostat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n