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CALL TODAY 201-653-0219 • 201-868-0202 |
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CALL TODAY 201-653-0219 • 201-868-0202 |
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With a few changes, your home can stay cooler and more efficient, even during heat waves. As per the U.S. Department of Energy, 78 degrees Fahrenheit is the recommended thermostat setting in the summer when people are home (it's 68 in the winter). This strikes a balance between feeling cool enough while easing the load on the cooling system. When no one's home, bumping it up to 85 can help save on energy without creating a sauna. At night, lowering it might help with sleep, though staying close to 78 still works for many. However, many sleep experts, including the National Sleep Foundation, recommend a temperature of 60 to 67 in the sleeping area.
People with medical concerns may need something a bit cooler, but otherwise, staying near this zone works for most households. That said, comfort isn't just about temperature. Air movement, humidity, and sunlight all play a role. Thermostats aren't miracle tools. They're just part of a larger strategy.
Some homes run cooler because they have better insulation, window coverage, or airflow. In those cases, 78 might feel too cold. In others, even 75 might feel stuffy. Use the thermostat as a guide, not a hard rule. Adjust based on comfort, but be cautious about going too low. Lower temperatures can come with higher costs.
Every degree counts. Lowering the thermostat by just one degree can raise cooling costs by about 3%. Over time, that adds up. A setting of 72 instead of 78 uses more energy and makes your air conditioning system work harder. That wear means parts break down faster. Keeping things steady helps with monthly bills and long-term maintenance.
Short bursts of drastic cooling put a heavy strain on HVAC units. The fan, compressor, and condenser all cycle harder. If that happens often, service calls increase. Maintenance issues grow. Systems can ice up, leak refrigerant, or just wear out. Fixing those problems isn't cheap.
On the other hand, letting the house get too warm while away and then cooling it rapidly doesn't work well either. It's better to have a consistent plan. Small, steady adjustments pay off. Consistency leads to fewer spikes in energy use and fewer shocks on monthly bills.
Programmable models allow different temperatures at different times. Set it higher when everyone's gone, then cool again before people return. Smart versions go a step further. They adjust based on habits or location. Some track usage and suggest tweaks. Others sync with phone apps or smart speakers. These features aren't just convenient; they help keep the system from running when it doesn't need to.
Programming a thermostat isn't complicated. A simple weekday-weekend schedule often works. Cooler in the morning and evening, warmer in the middle of the day. For shift workers or work-from-home setups, schedules may differ. Smart thermostats learn patterns. They know when the house is empty by using technology such as motion sensors or smartphone locations.
Many models now send alerts when temperatures rise too high. That can help protect pets or sensitive electronics. Some models let people see past usage, offering clues on what habits waste energy and what changes make a difference.
One temperature doesn't always fit every room. A kitchen with full sun might get hotter than a basement office. Using zoning helps. That can mean multiple thermostats or sensors. Some systems adjust vents automatically. In simpler setups, closing vents to unused rooms might help, though it's better to talk to a professional before doing that long term.
If someone spends most of the day in a home office, keeping that room cooler may matter more than what's happening in the rest of the house. Zoning also allows you to lower the temperature in your bedroom substantially when sleeping, without changing the temperature in the rest of the house.
Zoning lets specific areas get more or less airflow, which can make rooms feel more comfortable without changing airflow in the whole house.
Where the thermostat is located affects how well it reads the room. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, near windows, near vents, or on exterior walls. Poor placement can make the system kick on or off too soon. The center of the home, away from heat sources, usually works best.
Thermostats placed near the kitchen, laundry room, or TV can be tricked by the extra heat those areas produce. They'll read the air as hotter than it is and trigger the air conditioner unnecessarily. That means wasted energy and uneven comfort.
Avoid placing the thermostat behind furniture, inside a hallway, or in drafty corners. It needs to read the air accurately. Keeping it in an open area with good airflow is key. If unsure, get advice from an HVAC technician.
Fans help. Ceiling fans should spin counterclockwise in summer. That pushes air downward, making it feel cooler. Keeping blinds closed during the hottest parts of the day stops heat from building inside. Using appliances like ovens at night, when it's cooler, helps too. Dehumidifiers can also make a home feel less sticky, which means 78 won't feel too warm.
Wearing lighter clothes, staying hydrated, and cooking outside all help, too. Grills, toaster ovens, or air fryers give off less heat than a full-sized oven. Turning off lights when not needed keeps things cooler, especially if the bulbs give off heat.
Opening windows in the early morning or late evening can let in cool air, especially in places where nights cool down. Just be sure to close them once the heat returns. Adding insulation or sealing cracks around windows and doors helps trap cool air inside and hot air outside.
You can also use portable fans or small air conditioners in key rooms, if necessary. Many portable air conditioners are quite energy-efficient.
Households with older adults, babies, or pets need to watch the temperatures a bit closer. While 78 may feel fine for most, some people need cooler air. Pets, especially long-haired ones, can also struggle in warmer homes. Try to keep them in shaded, ventilated rooms. Always have fresh water available.
Newborns and infants don't regulate temperature like adults do. Rooms that feel okay to one person may feel stifling to a child. Keeping nursery temperatures closer to 72 or using fans safely might help. Never point a fan directly at a baby, though. Gentle air circulation works best.
Older adults may not feel heat the same way. Their comfort zones vary more. If someone in the home is sensitive to heat, aim for a setting that keeps them safe and cool. Energy savings matter, but health comes first.
Turning the thermostat way down doesn't cool a home faster. Most systems run at the same speed no matter the setting. It just stays on longer. That can lead to overcooling. Also, keeping the air conditioner running all day wastes energy. It's better to let the system rest when no one's home.
Another myth is that fans cool rooms. They don't. Fans move air, which helps people feel cooler, but they don't lower the room's temperature. Leaving fans on when no one's around just wastes power.
Some people believe closing vents in unused rooms helps. Sometimes it does, but it can also cause pressure problems in the duct system. That strain might lead to leaks or reduced airflow in other rooms. If a room is rarely used, it's better to keep the door closed and talk to a professional about safe vent adjustments.
Small shifts in thermostat habits lead to noticeable results. A steady, thoughtful approach helps with comfort and costs. Programmable tools, good placement, and a few home habits work together to ease the burden on the cooling system without making anyone sweat through the season.
Paying attention to your home's thermostat settings can help you feel comfortable, keep bills low, and help your air conditioning system last longer. Each household runs differently, but with a bit of planning, summer temperatures can feel a lot less extreme indoors.
