We at All Seasons Heating & Cooling, Inc. recommend setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and awake. It’s a balanced temperature that helps you stay comfortable and keeps energy costs in check.
When summer arrives in Vancouver WA, finding the most comfortable house temperature can feel like a guessing game. Set it too low and your energy bill skyrockets, but set it too high and you’re stuck sweating through another hot afternoon.
Every degree you lower your thermostat below 78°F can increase your cooling costs by about 3%. That might not sound like much, but it adds up quickly over the course of a hot summer. Finding the right balance between comfort and savings is worth the effort.
Some people feel perfectly fine at 78°F, while others prefer it a few degrees cooler. Start at 78°F and make small adjustments from there. Then try raising or lowering the temperature by one degree at a time until you find what works best for your household.
Your Thermostat Settings Matter More Than You Think
Your thermostat settings directly impact your monthly energy bills, the lifespan of your HVAC system, and even the air quality in your home. Running your air conditioner constantly at very low temperatures puts extra strain on the system. This can lead to more frequent breakdowns and a shorter overall lifespan for your equipment.
On the other hand, setting the temperature to set my thermostat during summer at reasonable levels allows your system to cycle on and off naturally. This reduces wear and keeps everything running smoothly for years to come.
Your thermostat settings also affect humidity levels inside your home since air conditioners also remove moisture. When your system runs in balanced cycles, it can effectively control humidity, making your home feel even more comfortable without lowering the temperature further.
What Temperature to Set When You’re Away
If you’re wondering what temperature to set the thermostat to when away, we recommend raising it by 7 to 10 degrees while you’re out. So if you normally keep your home at 78°F, consider setting it to 85°F or even 88°F when you leave for work.
This might sound warm, but since no one is home to feel it, you’ll save a significant amount of energy. Your air conditioning system won’t have to work as hard, which also reduces wear and tear on the equipment.
But for those still concerned about coming home to a hot house, this is where modern thermostat technology really shines. With a programmable or smart thermostat, you can schedule your system to start cooling down before you arrive. That way, you walk into a comfortable home temperature without wasting energy while you are away.
Smart Thermostats Take the Guesswork Out of Summer Cooling
Smart thermostats use advanced technology to track when you’re home, when you’re away, and even when you’re asleep. Over time, they build a custom schedule that keeps your home comfortable without requiring you to think about it.
Many models also use “geofencing,” which detects when your phone leaves or approaches your home. This allows the system to automatically raise the temperature when you leave and start cooling before you return.
Another major benefit is the ability to control your thermostat from anywhere using your smartphone. Forgot to adjust the settings before leaving for vacation? No problem. Just open the app and make changes from wherever you are.
So if you’re curious about upgrading, our team at All Seasons Heating & Cooling, Inc. can help with expert smart thermostat installation. Plus, Clark Public Utilities is currently offering a $140 rebate to Clark County WA residents who install a new smart thermostat. We’ll even help you with the rebate process to make sure you get your savings quickly and easily.
Tips for Staying Comfortable Without Cranking Up the AC
There are several other strategies you can use to stay cool while keeping your energy bills in check:
- Ceiling fans are a great addition to any room. They create a wind-chill effect that makes you feel cooler without actually lowering the temperature. This allows you to raise your thermostat by a few degrees while still feeling comfortable.
- Keeping blinds and curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day can also make a big difference. Sunlight streaming through windows heats up your home quickly, forcing your air conditioner to work harder.
- It’s also important to avoid using heat-generating appliances during peak afternoon hours. Running your oven, dishwasher, or dryer when it’s already hot outside adds extra heat to your home.
Still Struggling to Stay Comfortable? Here’s Why
If you’ve been adjusting your settings but still can’t seem to find the best temperature for a comfortable home, the issue might be your thermostat itself.
Older thermostats, especially the mechanical kind with dial controls, are known for being inaccurate. They might display one temperature while your home is actually several degrees warmer or cooler. This inconsistency makes it nearly impossible to maintain a comfortable home temperature throughout the day.
So if your current thermostat seems unreliable or hard to read, upgrading to a newer model could solve your summer comfort problems.
Take Control of Your Summer Comfort
If your current thermostat isn’t giving you the control or accuracy you need, consider upgrading to a modern programmable or smart model.
We’ll make sure you have the tools and knowledge to enjoy a perfectly comfortable home all summer long. Our team at All Seasons Heating & Cooling, Inc. is ready to help with expert thermostat installation, replacement, and repair.
Contact us today to schedule a free estimate! Your comfort is just a phone call away.
