There are two types of people every summer.
The first group sets the thermostat to 68°F and refuses to touch it until Labor Day.
The second group spends three months adjusting the temperature every few hours, convinced they’re about to crack the code on lower energy bills.
If we’re being honest, neither strategy usually works very well.
At Comfort Solutions HVAC, we help a lot of homeowners who are trying to find the same balance: staying comfortable during the summer without watching their energy bills climb month after month.
It’s a fair concern. Everyone wants a comfortable home, but nobody enjoys opening a utility bill that looks more like a car payment.
The good news is that finding the right thermostat settings isn’t complicated. A few smart adjustments can help you stay comfortable, reduce strain on your AC system, and lower cooling costs without feeling like you’re living in a sauna.
Why Turning the Thermostat Way Down Usually Backfires
One of the biggest thermostat myths is the idea that setting the temperature dramatically lower will cool the house faster.
It won’t.
If your home is 80°F and you set the thermostat to 65°F, your AC doesn’t suddenly kick into a higher gear. It cools at the same rate it always does.
The only difference is that it will run longer trying to reach that lower temperature.
That’s why many homeowners accidentally drive up cooling costs without actually getting more comfort.
The Best Thermostat Setting When You’re Home
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends 78°F as a starting point for summer comfort and efficiency.
Now before you immediately think, There’s no way I’m setting my house to 78 degrees, hear us out.
A properly functioning AC system combined with ceiling fans, good airflow, and humidity control often makes 78°F feel far more comfortable than people expect.
In fact, many homeowners find they gradually become comfortable at higher temperatures once humidity is under control.
If 78°F feels too warm, that’s okay. Comfort matters.
The goal isn’t to suffer through the summer. The goal is to find the highest comfortable setting that keeps your home feeling good while reducing unnecessary AC runtime.
The Best Thermostat Setting for Sleeping
Sleep changes everything.
A temperature that feels comfortable while you’re cooking dinner or watching TV may feel too warm once you’re trying to fall asleep.
Most people sleep best somewhere between 74°F and 78°F.
Body temperature naturally drops during sleep, and a slightly cooler room can help support that process.
If you have ceiling fans in bedrooms, you may be able to keep the thermostat a little higher while maintaining the same level of comfort.
This is one of the easiest ways to save energy without noticing much difference.
The Best Thermostat Setting When You’re Away
Many homeowners make one of two mistakes:
They either leave the AC running at the same temperature all day, or they turn it off completely.
Neither approach is ideal.
Instead, raise the temperature while you’re gone.
A setting between 82°F and 85°F is usually enough to reduce cooling costs without allowing the house to become excessively hot.
When you return home, your AC won’t have to work as hard to recover, and you’ll save energy while you’re away.
There’s no reason to spend money cooling an empty house.
What About Vacations?
If you’re leaving for several days, you can be even more aggressive with energy savings.
Most homeowners can safely set the thermostat to 85°F or higher during vacations.
The exact setting depends on factors like:
- Pets remaining in the home
- Indoor plants
- Sensitive electronics
- Humidity levels
The goal is to prevent excessive heat and humidity buildup while minimizing energy use.
Many smart thermostats even allow you to adjust settings remotely if plans change.
Let a Smart Thermostat Handle the Work
If you’re constantly adjusting your thermostat throughout the day, a smart thermostat may be one of the best upgrades you can make.
Instead of relying on memory, a smart thermostat can automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule.
For example:
- 78°F while you’re home
- 84°F while you’re at work
- 76°F before bedtime
- Vacation settings when you’re away
Many homeowners are surprised how much energy they save simply because the thermostat is making adjustments consistently.
And perhaps more importantly, you don’t have to think about it anymore.
The thermostat does the work for you.
Don’t Forget About Humidity
Here’s something many people overlook:
Sometimes the house doesn’t feel hot—it feels humid.
When humidity is high, even comfortable temperatures can feel sticky and uncomfortable. That’s often when homeowners start lowering the thermostat in an attempt to feel better.
The problem is that lowering the temperature isn’t always addressing the real issue.
A properly operating AC system should remove moisture while it cools. If your home constantly feels damp or muggy, it may be worth having your system inspected.
In many cases, fixing airflow issues or improving system performance makes the home feel more comfortable without touching the thermostat.
Small Adjustments Add Up Over Time
Many homeowners think saving money means making one big change.
In reality, it’s usually a collection of smaller decisions:
- Raising the thermostat a couple of degrees while you’re away
- Using ceiling fans to improve comfort and airflow
- Keeping air filters clean
- Programming a smart thermostat to match your schedule
- Making sure your AC system is operating efficiently
None of these changes are dramatic on their own, but together they can have a noticeable impact on summer energy bills.
Why Homeowners Trust Comfort Solutions HVAC
When it comes to comfort and efficiency, having the right HVAC partner matters.
Homeowners across Easton, PA and surrounding PA & NJ communities trust Comfort Solutions HVAC because we focus on practical solutions and honest recommendations.
- Serving local homeowners since 2008
- Family and veteran-owned with a customer-first approach
- Expert installation and service for modern HVAC systems
- Flexible financing options for larger upgrades
- Preventative maintenance plans designed to keep systems running efficiently
- Fast, reliable service when comfort can’t wait
Whether you’re trying to lower energy bills or improve comfort, our team is here to help.
Find the Right Balance Between Comfort and Savings
The best thermostat setting isn’t necessarily the lowest one.
It’s the setting that keeps your family comfortable while allowing your AC system to operate efficiently.
If your cooling costs seem unusually high or your home never feels comfortable no matter where you set the thermostat, there may be a bigger issue affecting your system’s performance.
Call or schedule online with Comfort Solutions HVAC today.
We’ll help you make sure your system is operating efficiently so you can stay comfortable without overspending on energy costs.
