Ross and Witmer 
Originally published in June 2013, updated in July 2016.
Summer is well underway in the Charlotte, NC area, and this year is even more hot and humid than usual. That means that it’s time to take a good look at how you’ve been cooling your home. Energy efficiency starts with your thermostat. Finding the best thermostat settings for summer can help keep you cool while conserving energy and saving you money.
How Programmable Thermostats Help
The easiest way to maximize your energy usage is to buy a programmable thermostat. Many feature easy touch-pad programming, where you can set the thermostat to automatically change several times throughout the day. They also may offer vacation or hold settings, to adjust or turn off your cooling or heating while you are away.
Figuring Out the Best Settings
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends that you set your thermostat carefully during the summer and winter to avoid wasting energy unnecessarily, and also to save you money. They suggest the following settings:
- 78 degrees or warmer while you are home
- 85 degrees or off while you are away
Savings Don’t End with Summer
These savings can continue once summer has gone and the cool weather has arrived. When it’s winter, set your thermostat to:
- 68 degrees or cooler while you are home
- 55 degrees or cooler at night or while you are away
Even though this summer has been a really hot one, there’s no reason to break the bank trying to stay cool. With the right thermostat and the right service, saving energy can be a snap. When you need expert advice about the best thermostat settings for summer and winter or anything related to your home’s comfort, please contact the HVAC specialists at Ross & Witmer. We have nearly 70 years experience serving the Charlotte area. Call us today at 704-392-6188.
