Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Air conditioning is one of the top energy expenses in homes, especially during summer, and cooling costs can be even higher if you set the thermostat at a very low temperature. However, this also means you can save electricity by setting a slightly higher thermostat setting for summer without giving up on comfort.

In a typical US home, air conditioning represents 14% of annual energy expenses. This figure increases to 20-30% in states with hot summers, where residential cooling costs can exceed $500 per year (US EIA Residential Energy Consumption Survey). However, you can save up to 10% on air conditioning costs by increasing the thermostat setting by 7 to 10 °F for eight hours per day (US Department of Energy).

Below, we discuss the recommended thermostat settings for summer to help you find the ideal balance between comfort and energy savings.

How Does the Thermostat Setting for Summer Affect Your Air Conditioning Costs?

The thermostat can be considered the “brain” of your air conditioning system. There are many types of thermostats, but their basic function is the same:

If your home’s indoor temperature is higher than the thermostat setting, your air conditioning system’s cooling unit will be activated.

When the home temperature reaches the required value, the thermostat shuts down the compressor. The fan keeps running for ventilation purposes, but it uses much less electricity.

When your home temperature rises again, the thermostat reactivates the cooling unit.

Your air conditioner works harder when the outdoor temperature is high since your home needs more cooling to stay comfortable. However, you will also use more electricity if you are constantly using the lowest temperature setting on the thermostat.

Keep in mind that air conditioners have performance limits like any other device. At best, your air conditioner might be able to reduce your indoor temperature by 15-20°F compared with the outdoor temperature (CNET). For example, if the outdoor temperature is at 95°F, there is no point in setting the thermostat below 75°F. This will only make the air conditioner run continuously, wasting electricity without reaching a cooler temperature.

What is a Good Temperature to Set Your Thermostat in the Summer?

Setting your thermostat during summer represents a trade-off between comfort and energy costs. However, the idea of a “comfortable temperature” depends on who you ask. After all, comfort is subjective. When asked what temperature to set thermostat in summer, you may have found articles where electric companies and energy agencies recommend setting the thermostat at 78°F, but this suggestion has received backlash in social media (ABC News). While a higher thermostat setting for summer does reduce your cooling costs, there is no need to use a temperature that causes discomfort.

You might be tempted to set the thermostat at 60°F on a hot summer day, but this will cost you a lot of electricity since your AC works at full capacity continuously.

You can save electricity by raising the thermostat setting, but there is no need to go all the way to 78°F.

For example, if you are comfortable at 70°F, you are already saving electricity with respect to 60°F.

As a rule of thumb, air conditioning costs decrease by up to 3% for every Fahrenheit degree you raise the thermostat setting. Based on this figure, you can save up to 30% on indoor cooling if you raise the thermostat from 60°F to 70°F.

What Temperature to Set Thermostat in Summer When Away From Home

You can achieve additional savings if you set the thermostat even higher when away from home.

Smart thermostats like Google Nest can “learn” your temperature preferences over time. These devices can save electricity by raising their temperature setting when you’re away from home. For example, if you feel comfortable at 70°F but are away eight hours per day, a smart thermostat can increase its temperature to 85°F during this schedule. Switching off the air conditioner completely when away from home is not recommended since it also performs other functions like ventilation and humidity control.

Additional Ways to Save on Air Conditioning Costs

A slightly higher thermostat setting can significantly reduce your air conditioning costs, but there are additional measures you can take to save electricity during summer.

Regular Air Conditioner Maintenance: Lack of maintenance reduces air conditioners’ cooling output while increasing their energy usage. For example, a clogged filter can increase your AC’s power consumption by up to 15% (US DOE).

Inspect for Air Leaks: If you have leaky windows or door frames, your home is constantly losing cool air, and your AC unit must work harder. This causes energy waste, even if you own a high-efficiency AC.

You can also save on air conditioning by switching to a newer unit with a higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The SEER can be compared with the gas mileage value of a car. For instance, a SEER 26 air conditioner uses half the electricity required by an older SEER 13 unit. An HVAC upgrade is a major investment, but if your current air conditioner is near the end of its service life, you can consider a more efficient replacement.

Finally, you can reduce your electricity costs overall by switching to an electricity plan with lower kilowatt-hour prices. Quick Electricity can help you compare the electricity providers available in your ZIP code. Get started today!