What’s the ideal thermostat setting for summer?

Summer energy bills can be dreadful, especially here in Georgia. A good way to save on energy costs this summer is to make sure your thermostat is set to the optimal temperature for your system. So, what are the best thermostat settings for summer?

Ideal Thermostat Settings

According to The United States Department of Energy, setting your thermostat up 7–10 degrees from its normal setting for 8 hours a day can save you up to 10% on summer cooling costs. Energy Star recommends you set your thermostat to 86°F while you’re away and watch your savings rise, especially if you leave home for long periods of time for work or school. When you get home, set your thermostat to 78°F and keep it there.

Summer Vacation Temperatures

You may think you can just shut off your HVAC system completely while you’re on vacation if the house will be empty, but it’s actually better to keep it running minimally while you’re away. It adds unnecessary wear and tear to your HVAC system to have it remain stagnant for a period before ramping it back up to your usual settings. Programming your empty house’s thermostat to 85°F is a great way to make sure it runs while you’re away without overusing the system.

Are Fido and Fluffy stuck at home while the rest of the family is on vacation? The best thermostat setting to keep your pets safe and comfortable is 78°F. If you’re concerned about the high temperature, make sure their water fountain or bowl is always filled with plenty of water so they don’t run out before you get home or between visits from the pet sitter. To provide them even more comfort, you can keep a ceiling fan running and/or get a cooling pet bed so they have an area where they can cool down.

Thermostat Placement

One thing you may not consider when it comes to thermostat-related savings is the placement of your device. Keep the thermostat away from areas that get direct sunlight and from vents, doors, and windows. These could cause your system to run unnecessarily. Instead, place it on an interior wall, away from furniture, in an area of your home that is frequently used.

Smart Thermostats

A smart thermostat makes it easy to control your temperature settings and ensure you’re saving energy. These thermostats allow you to set a schedule for your thermostat settings so they automatically change to your preferred settings, plus many allow you to remotely change the temperature if needed. Plus, many of these devices will keep equipment and temperature data for you to track and manage.

When choosing a smart thermostat, make sure to check that it is compatible with your heating and cooling system(s). It’s also a good idea to make a list of what features to make sure you’re getting the most out of your purchase.

Other Ways to Save

Using the best thermostat settings for summer isn’t the only way to save on your cooling bill. There are many small, easy things to do that will make a big impact on the amount of energy your cooling system uses.

Clean out your air filter regularly based on your system’s recommendations, this small task can help keep the air flow going so your system has less work to do and prevents build up that could lead to bigger issues down the line. Another way to help your system run more efficiently is to seal your cooling ducts. Have a professional seal the seams that connect the ducts and wrap them in insulation, and watch your savings grow as much as 20%.

If you were hoping for even simpler tips to help you save, we’ve got you covered. Close curtains in windows that receive direct sunlight, close the vents and doors to unused rooms, and run fans and ceiling fans to take some of the wight of your cooling system’s shoulders.

We hope these tips help you enjoy a cool, comfortable home all summer long — without breaking the bank.

Save on Natural Gas with SCANA Energy

If you’d like even more energy savings along with friendly and knowledgeable customer service, sign up with SCANA Energy today. It only takes a few minutes to switch. Call 877.467.2262 to schedule a turn on date or start service with SCANA today.