Experts Say This is the Best Thermostat Setting for Beating a Heat Wave

Here in Southern Indiana, we're no strangers to hot, humid summers, and this latest heat wave has a lot of us reaching for the thermostat. When temps are in the 90s and the heat index is 110, the temptation to crank the air conditioner down is hard to resist. But that might not be the best move for your comfort – or your wallet.

The Ideal Thermostat Temperature When You Are Home

The U.S. Department of Energy, along with industry experts at Bryant Heating and Cooling, recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees when you're home during the day. While that number may sound warmer than many people prefer, officials say it's designed to strike a balance between staying comfortable and keeping energy costs under control. The idea is that your air conditioner won't have to work as hard, which can help lower your monthly electric bill and reduce wear and tear on your HVAC system.

What to Set Your Thermostat When You Leave

The recommendations get even more surprising from there. If you're leaving the house for work or running errands, experts suggest raising the thermostat to 85 degrees while you're away. At night, they recommend setting it to around 82 degrees, depending on your comfort level and whether you're using fans to help circulate air.

What do you think of those numbers? For many people, especially during a Southern Indiana heat wave, 78 degrees already feels a little warm. Bumping the thermostat into the 80s may sound like a challenge, especially if you're trying to escape the sticky summer air.

Easy Ways to Stay Cool Without Lowering Your Thermostat

If you'd rather not turn the A/C down any lower, there are a few other ways to stay comfortable. Running ceiling fans can help rooms feel cooler by keeping air moving. Closing blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the afternoon can block out heat from the sun, and avoiding the oven during peak daytime hours keeps extra heat from building up inside your home. A smart thermostat can also make things easier by automatically adjusting temperatures when you're away and cooling the house back down before you return.

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So, where does your thermostat stay during the summer? Are you willing to follow the experts' advice to save a little on your electric bill, or is your A/C staying nice and chilly no matter what the forecast says?