What’s the Best Setting for Your Thermostat During the Summer?

With the temperature heating up around the United States, many homeowners are lowering the dials on their thermostats at home. Are you one of them?

This article is going to tell you the best way to cool your home in summer based on some tips from the U.S. Department of Energy. And we’ll let you know at what temperature money expert Clark Howard sets his thermostat.

What Is the Best Thermostat Setting for Summer?

The Energy Star program, backed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), says 78 degrees should be your target.

Here’s how Energy.gov words it:

”In the warmer months, keep your thermostat around 78 degrees when you’re home, then nudge it up when you leave.”

The website also recommends scheduling regular maintenance on your air conditioner to ensure that it’s operating at an optimal level. And make sure you don’t place heat-producing objects such as TVs or lamps near your thermostat, as that could prompt it to turn on your AC unnecessarily.

Where Does Clark Set His Thermostat in the Summer?

Clark has a formula for how he sets his thermostat during the summer:

• 78 degrees during the day
• 68 degrees at night
• 82 degrees when he’s out of town

Here’s How Other Members of Team Clark Cool Their Homes

• Grace says her ceiling fan has become such a valued part of her home that it has a nickname: Gloria.
• Clark Howard Inc. General Manager Christa says that she puts her thermostat at 68° at night and 76° during the day.

Home Cooling Myths Busted

Myth #1: Setting the thermostat drastically lower will cool your home more quickly: When you get home, do you dial the thermostat way down to get to a comfortable temperature more quickly? “It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense,” says the Energy.gov website.

Myth #2: Keeping the thermostat set at your comfort level will keep your bill low: Looking to save money on your energy bill? Pay attention to what the temperature is outside to know where to set your thermostat inside.

“The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be,” says the DOE website.

Where do you keep your thermostat during the summer? Let us know in our Clark.com community.