What Is the Best Temperature to Set Your Thermostat in the Summer?
Summer isn’t over yet and when temperatures climb in Massillon and throughout Stark County, Ohio, your air conditioner can spend much of the day working to keep your home comfortable.
Setting your thermostat too low can make your AC work harder, while setting it too high can leave you counting the minutes until fall.
So, what is the best temperature to set your thermostat in the summer?
There isn’t one perfect temperature for every household, but around 78°F is a common energy-conscious starting point, particularly when you’re away from home. The U.S. Department of Energy has recommended 78°F as a summer thermostat setting when the home is
unoccupied.
If 78°F feels too warm while you’re home, lower the thermostat gradually until you find a comfortable setting. Small adjustments can make it easier to find a temperature that works without unnecessarily overworking your cooling system.
When you’re away for several hours, consider increasing the temperature rather than cooling an empty house at the same level you would while you’re home.
A programmable or smart thermostat can make this process easier by automatically adjusting temperatures based on your family’s schedule.
Regular AC Maintenance Can Help Your System Handle the Summer Heat
Your cooling system works especially hard during the hottest months of the year. Regular AC maintenance helps identify potential problems and keeps your equipment operating properly before summer temperatures put additional strain on the system.
ComfortPro recommends routine AC maintenance to help prevent unexpected repairs and keep your cooling system working at its best.
A seasonal HVAC tune-up is also a good opportunity to have a professional check your system’s overall condition and identify issues that could affect its ability to cool your home.
Tips for Staying Comfortable Without Constantly Lowering Your Thermostat
Your AC doesn’t have to do all the work. During hot Ohio summer days, you can also help your home stay comfortable by:
- Keep blinds or curtains closed during the hottest, sunniest parts of the day
- Make sure supply and return vents aren’t blocked by furniture
- Use ceiling fans to help circulate air when rooms are occupied
- Avoid unnecessary heat-producing activities during the hottest part of the day
- Use a programmable or smart thermostat to create a cooling schedule
- Check and replace dirty HVAC filters
- Schedule routine AC maintenance
- Avoid making dramatic thermostat adjustments throughout the day
Finding the right summer thermostat setting is about balancing comfort, energy use and the performance of your air conditioning system. If your AC can’t keep your Massillon or Stark County home comfortable without constantly lowering the thermostat, it may be time to have the system inspected. ComfortPro Heating and Cooling provides comprehensive HVAC services, including AC repair, AC installation, preventative AC maintenance and HVAC memberships throughout Massillon, Canton, North Canton and communities across Stark County and the surrounding area. Contact us today!
