By: Jacob Maslow

While many HVAC service providers suggest setting a home’s thermostat to 78 degrees in the summer (and around 85 degrees when the home is unoccupied), there are several factors that influence this recommendation. This temperature is commonly thought to strike a reasonable balance between energy efficiency and comfort, though it’s worth noting that adjustments may be necessary depending on individual preferences and environmental conditions. For instance, you may find that the morning feels too cold and the afternoon too warm.

Indeed, preferences for home temperatures can vary widely – some people may opt to keep their home cooler, say at 68 degrees during the summer, due to personal comfort or health-related needs. The layout of your home and which areas you use most frequently also play a role in deciding the optimal temperature.

In this article, we’ll explore how to identify the right temperature for your home during the summer months, with particular emphasis on factors like energy efficiency, comfort, home insulation, humidity, and the ideal settings for different times of the day.

Factors to Consider When Determining Your Ideal Summer Temperature

1. Energy Efficiency – As we’ve mentioned, setting your thermostat to around 78 degrees when you’re at home and raising it when you’re away or sleeping could help reduce energy consumption and costs.

2. Personal Comfort – While 78 degrees works well for many, others might feel more comfortable at a slightly cooler or warmer setting, depending on their individual needs.

3. Home Insulation – Homes with good insulation often retain heat more effectively, which can influence how cool you need to keep your living space.

4. Humidity – High humidity levels can make a room feel warmer than it actually is. Using a dehumidifier or adjusting your thermostat slightly lower might help to counteract the effects of excess moisture in the air.

5. Ceiling Fans – Using ceiling fans can circulate air, making a room feel cooler even at a slightly higher thermostat setting.

Tips for Finding Your Ideal Temperature

1. Start with 78 Degrees and Adjust as Needed – If you’re comfortable with 78 degrees, great! Set the thermostat and enjoy. If not, try adjusting the temperature in small increments (one to two degrees) until you find a balance between comfort and energy efficiency.

2. Consider Different Temps for Different Times of Day – You may find that a warmer setting works better when you’re relaxing or away from home, while a cooler setting might be preferable when you’re sleeping or active.

3. Use a Programmable Thermostat – This is a convenient option for optimizing your home’s temperature. A programmable thermostat lets you set different temperatures throughout the day, which helps maximize both energy savings and comfort.

4. Monitor Your Energy Bill – To better understand how your thermostat settings impact your energy usage, it’s useful to keep track of your energy bills over time.

5. Adjust Your Thermostat Based on Lifestyle – If you tend to spend more time at home, you might prefer a cooler setting compared to someone who is frequently out during the day.

Constantly adjusting your thermostat can lead to discomfort and may result in higher energy costs. To maintain a more consistent and comfortable indoor environment, many HVAC professionals provide useful guidelines for thermostat settings.