Best summer thermostat settings for comfort and savings
Why thermostat settings matter in summer
Getting the best summer thermostat settings is one of the simplest ways to balance comfort and savings. Small changes in setpoint can lower your energy bill, protect indoor air quality, and reduce wear on your cooling system. In most homes, every degree you raise the thermostat can trim cooling costs by about 3–5% while keeping rooms comfortable when you manage humidity and airflow correctly.
Best thermostat settings for comfort and savings
When you are home and awake
The widely cited baseline is 78°F for summer cooling. For many households, 76–78°F feels comfortable when humidity is under control and air is moving. If your home tends to trap heat upstairs, consider zoning or staged pre-cooling to keep bedrooms stable without overcooling the entire house.
While you sleep
There are two winning strategies: comfort-first (72–75°F with low fan speed to reduce noise) or savings-first (78–80°F paired with a ceiling fan). Because metabolic heat drops at night, many people can raise the thermostat slightly if they create gentle air movement and keep humidity in the 45–55% range.
When you are away
Set 82–88°F depending on pets, plants, and valuables. The hotter the day and the tighter your schedule, the more you’ll benefit from a smart thermostat that pre-cools before you return, rather than forcing the system to rush all at once.
Humidity matters as much as temperature
Comfort comes from both temperature and moisture. Aim for 45–55% relative humidity in summer. Variable-speed air handlers and longer, gentler cycles often dehumidify better than short bursts. If your system short-cycles, consider adjusting fan settings, adding a whole-home dehumidifier, or improving duct design and sealing.
Use ceiling fans to raise the setpoint
Ceiling fans create a wind-chill effect so you can raise the thermostat by about 4°F without feeling warmer. Always turn fans off when you leave the room—they cool people, not the air.
Smart thermostat scheduling that actually works
A predictable schedule gets you most of the savings with little effort. Try this sample day for a typical workweek:
- 6:30–8:00 a.m.: 76–78°F while you get ready.
- 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.: 82–85°F while away (check pet needs).
- 4:30–5:00 p.m.: Pre-cool to 76–78°F before arrival.
- 9:30–11:00 p.m.: 72–75°F for comfort-first, or 78–80°F with a bedroom fan for savings-first.
On weekends, use smaller setbacks because you are in and out; 78°F when home and 82–84°F when out is a good starting point. For heat pump systems in cooling mode, moderate setbacks (3–6°F) are efficient; extreme swings can hurt both comfort and efficiency.
System-specific tips
Central AC and multi-stage systems
Multi-stage or variable-speed AC runs longer on low, improving dehumidification and comfort at 76–78°F. Avoid oversized units that short-cycle; if you notice quick on/off cycles and clammy air, talk to a qualified specialist about airflow and sizing.
Heat pumps in summer
Modern heat pumps cool very efficiently. Use gradual setbacks and enable features like adaptive recovery so the system starts early and avoids high-power sprints.
Ductless mini-splits
Mini-splits excel at steady, precise control. Keep rooms at a stable 76–78°F and use Dry or Dehumidify mode on muggy days. Correct placement and commissioning are critical for accurate sensing and even temperatures.
Southern California specifics
In coastal neighborhoods, evening breezes and lower swings mean you can often hold 78°F with a light fan. In inland valleys, afternoon spikes demand earlier pre-cooling and shading. Home characteristics—insulation, window area, attic ventilation—often matter more than the outside high. In Los Angeles County and nearby areas including Orange County, Ventura County, and Western Riverside County (for example Los Angeles, Long Beach, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Anaheim, Irvine, Ventura, Oxnard, Corona, Temecula), start at 78°F when home, 82–85°F when away, and fine-tune by room with fans or zoning.
Comfort without the bill shock
- Use the 78°F baseline at home, 82–88°F away, and a slightly cooler night strategy if needed.
- Manage humidity to 45–55% for a cooler feel at higher setpoints.
- Add ceiling fans to raise setpoints by about 4°F comfortably.
- Pre-cool before peak hours and avoid extreme setbacks.
- Seal ducts, change filters, and shade west-facing windows to cut load.
Safety, warranty, and insurance note
DIY thermostat work can look simple, but incorrect wiring, refrigerant handling, or control settings can damage equipment, create electrical hazards, and void warranties. In many cases, insurance and manufacturer warranties require installation, commissioning, or repairs by a qualified specialist. Refrigerant circuits operate under high pressure, and EPA regulations apply—this is where professional training and tools are essential.
Who we are and why we care about healthy air
#1 AC Guys is a family HVAC business in Los Angeles, Southern California. We are a fourth-generation family of engineers with 80+ years of engineering experience, specializing in commercial and residential projects, especially large and complex systems. Our mission is simple: healthy air at home for a healthy life.
Our engineers have trained at the manufacturers’ facilities for Fujitsu (Japan), Mitsubishi Elektrik (Thailand), Midea (China), Gree (China), and Hier (China). That factory-level training helps us design, set up, and fine-tune controls—like thermostat schedules, zoning, and airflow—so comfort and savings align with real-world conditions across Los Angeles County, Orange County, Ventura County, and Western Riverside County.
Quick FAQ
Is 78°F really the best thermostat temperature for summer?
It’s a proven starting point for comfort and savings. Adjust 1–2°F at a time and watch humidity; with good dehumidification and a fan, many homes feel great at 78–80°F.
How much does each degree change cost?
As a rule of thumb, expect roughly 3–5% change in cooling costs per degree. Ceiling fans help offset by letting you raise the setpoint.
What about pets?
Most pets do well at 80–82°F with water and air movement, but brachycephalic breeds and older pets may need cooler settings.
Will a smart thermostat save money?
Yes, when used with modest setbacks, pre-cooling, and humidity-aware control. Pair with sealing, shading, and proper maintenance for the biggest gains.
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