Admin - 03:00 pm -
April 17th, 2026 
Some like it hot. And some like it not so hot.
Do you need to figure out a thermostat setting that works for everyone in your home? The standard money-saving temperature setting for the warmer weather is 78 degrees. If you can stand to keep your thermostat a bit higher, you’ll save a lot of money and put less strain on your HVAC system.
Why 78 degrees?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, every degree above 78 you raise your thermostat in the summer can reduce cooling costs by approximately 2% to 6%. Conversely, every degree below 78 degrees increases energy usage significantly.
In addition, a smaller difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures means your air conditioner does not have to work as hard or run as long.
Finally, there’s something we call the “20-degree rule.” It says that your air conditioner can only effectively cool a space to about 20 degrees lower than the outside temperature. Setting it too low makes the system run constantly, leading to higher electricity bills.
Tips to stay comfortable at 78 degrees-plus
If 78 degrees feels too warm, you can utilize these methods to stay comfortable without lowering the thermostat:
- Use ceiling fans: A ceiling fan allows you to raise the thermostat setting by about 4°F with no loss in comfort, as the breeze creates a wind-chill effect.
- Close curtains and blinds: Block direct sunlight during the day to prevent solar heat gain.
- Dehumidify: 78 degrees with low humidity feels much more comfortable than 78 degrees with high humidity.
- Use a programmable or smart thermostat: Raise the temperature by 7 to10 degrees for eight hours a day (while at work or sleeping) to save up to 10% on energy bills.
For more warm weather conservation tips from your friends at SOC Energy/Service Oil Co., tap or click here.
