Setting your thermostat to the right temperature is key to maintaining comfort, energy efficiency, and cost savings in your home. However, finding the ideal temperature can be challenging, especially with extreme heat and individual preferences. In this blog post, we'll explore the best thermostat settings for the hot Summer months, provide tips for optimizing your thermostat usage, and discuss how smart thermostats can help you achieve the perfect balance.
1. Recommended Settings for Summer:
- Aim for a setting of around 74°F-78°F when you're at home and need cooling.
- Increase the temperature to 85°F when you're away on vacation or for an extended amount of time to reduce energy consumption.
2. Remember Where You Live:
- Remember, different climates require different design criteria. Here in SW Virginia, our design criteria is to maintain 75° inside on a 90° outside day. Some systems may do better than others, but nearly all will struggle and run continuously when temperatures are 90°+.
3. Nighttime Adjustments:
- Adjusting your thermostat at night can improve sleep quality and save energy. In summer, raising the temperature can prevent overcooling and unnecessary energy use.
- Use programmable thermostats to automatically adjust temperatures based on your sleeping schedule, ensuring optimal comfort without manual intervention.
4. Take Advantage of Programmable Thermostats:
- Programmable thermostats allow you to set different temperatures for various times of the day and days of the week. This ensures your home is comfortable when you're there and energy-efficient when you're not. some text
- However, you need to be cautious about changing temperatures on your thermostat. On really hot days, if you raise the temperatures too much when you are away, it will have a hard time bringing the temperature back down when you are at home. We suggest leaving it at the same temperature or close to it if comfort is your main goal.
5. Consider Smart Thermostats:
- Smart thermostats take programmable settings to the next level by learning your habits and adjusting temperatures automatically. They can be controlled remotely via smartphone apps, providing flexibility and control over your home's climate.
- There are a lot to choose from and we will be happy to install them for you. Our favorite is the Honeywell VisionPro 8000 Wifi Programmable Thermostat.
6. Energy-Saving Tips:
- During the warmer months, use ceiling fans to circulate air and create a wind-chill effect, allowing you to set the thermostat a few degrees higher.
- Regularly replace or clean air filters to ensure your HVAC system operates efficiently, preventing the need for higher settings to achieve the desired temperature.
- Make sure you have routine preventative maintenance done twice a year on from an HVAC professional. You can schedule your preventative maintenance here!
7. Account for Individual Preferences:
- While recommended thermostat settings provide a general guideline, it's important to consider the comfort preferences of everyone in your household.
- Experiment with slight adjustments to find a temperature that balances comfort and energy efficiency for all members of your home.
Setting your thermostat to the right temperature can significantly impact your comfort, energy bills, and overall home efficiency. By following the recommended settings for different seasons, utilizing programmable or smart thermostats, and implementing energy-saving tips, you can create a comfortable living environment while optimizing energy usage. Remember to consider individual preferences and make adjustments as needed to find the perfect balance for your home.
