What’s the best temperature to set your thermostat this summer? Experts say this Goldilocks AC setting will perfectly balance comfort and cost

As the mercury continues to climb, there's one question on most of our minds: What is the best temperature to set your thermostat to this summer?

Your air conditioning can quickly drive up your energy bills, so finding the perfect temperature for your central control is a must if you want to save money but stay comfortable.

Here, a HVAC pro reveals the ideal temperature to set your AC, and why this goldilocks zone is best for coping with the summer heat.

What is the best temperature to set thermostat in summer?

According to Josh Mitchell, HVAC technician at Air Conditioner Lab, 'Most households are comfortable cooling their homes between 74°F and 78°F.'

While this might sound high in intense summer heat, Josh warns that lowering the temperature does nothing to cool down a house fast. Rather, it makes your AC work harder, driving up your bills.

The best way to maintain this comfortable, energy-efficient temperature is through a smart thermostat advises Punteha van Terheyden, Head of Solved for Homes & Gardens.

She says, 'I knocked hundreds off my winter bill by installing a smart thermostat, and the same impact can be felt in the summer by letting this brilliant device keep your home's cool temperature constant, without running 24/7.'

What else to consider

The temperature on your thermostat is not the only thing to pay attention to when trying to cool down a room. Achieving the ideal humidity level for a house in summer can also help you feel cooler, Josh adds.

He explains that any home with a humidity above 60% will automatically feel warmer. Rather, you should aim for an average humidity of between 30% and 50%.

You can sometimes lower humidity by opening windows and improving ventilation.

However, if the air outside is also humid, you are better shutting all windows and doors and using one of the best dehumidifiers, such as Homes & Garden's top-rated GE ADEL50LZ 50-Pint Dehumidifier, available at Best Buy, which has a large tank capacity, timer presets, and is energy-star rated to help you cut energy bills.

While a dehumidifier does not make a room cooler, less moisture in the air will make your home feel less oppressive, helping your body lose heat more easily to make you feel more comfortable in hot weather.

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FAQs

Do fans work better with windows closed?

If you are relying on fans to help you cool down a home, closing the windows can help. When the windows are open, fans will recirculate the outdoor air, which is often warmer than the air inside your home, having an overall warming effect.

Meet the expert

Josh Mitchell

Josh is an appliance expert and the owner of the Air Conditioner Lab with years of experience tackling the challenge of home cooling. Josh has explored various innovative methods to cool down living spaces during hot weather.

Knowing the best time to turn on your AC each year can also help you balance cost savings with comfort, especially in transitional periods when the hot weather is yet to peak.