What’s the Best Thermostat Setting in the Summer?

Do you cringe when you receive your electric bills in the mail during the summer?  Or dread opening up that email from your utility company?  During the summer, many of our energy bills go through the roof thanks to high temperatures and cranking up the air conditioner.  We all know that not using the air conditioner is the easiest way to save money, but some days it is just too hot to keep the A/C off.  The next best thing is to make sure that the thermostat is set to a temperature that will cool you off and still help you save.  So, what is the best thermostat setting during the summer months?

The US Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat at 78 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer while at home, and turning it even warmer while you are away.  According to them, “The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be.”

If 78 degrees is just too warm for you, don’t sweat it too much.  Even setting your thermostat up just a few degrees can help you save.  You can make these adjustments manually throughout the day, or you can invest in a programmable thermostat.  With a programmable thermostat, you create a program to suit your family’s heating, cooling, and energy saving needs.  Once the program is set, the thermostat will automatically make the adjustments, which means you won’t accidentally forget!

So, what are you waiting for?  The recommended thermostat setting is 78 degrees- got turn yours up an start saving.

If you would like to learn more about programmable thermostats or other ways to save energy, contact FLAME!