Best Thermostat Temperature Settings for Summer
Posted by Moore Home Services
Energy Savings
Are you struggling to find a temperature that everyone can agree on? Or dealing with high energy bills in exchange for a comfortable home?
Not to worry! There are ideal thermostat temperature settings for summer that can maximize your home’s cooling while reducing your energy usage and expenses.
What Is the Optimal Temperature Setting for the Summer Season?
According to experts, the ideal thermostat temperature is 78°F for the summer season. Like winter, the idea behind this is that the closer you can keep the temperature to the outdoor temperature, the less you’ll be stressing your HVAC system and driving up your bill.
Of course, reaching this ideal temperature is easier said than done. Not everyone is comfortable at the same temperature, so it may take some adjusting to acclimate. The best way to do this is by raising or lowering the temperature by a degree or two each day (depending on everyone’s preferences). Over time, the whole household will become acclimated to this temperature.
While you’re doing that, you can make other small changes like turning the thermostat up when you leave for work during the day or raising the temperature at night. You can save a lot of wear and tear on your system by giving it a break for several hours, and most people are comfortable sleeping at slightly higher temperatures overnight.
Keep in mind, however, that pets can’t tolerate high temperatures. If you have dogs, cats, or other pets, you should make sure the temperature stays below 82°F for their safety. Or, if you want to keep your pets cool without running your AC in the entire house, put your pets in a room that can be cooled individually.
How to Regulate Your Body’s Temperature
In addition to adjusting your thermostat, you can learn to regulate your own body temperature effectively to require less cooling. Here are some tips:
Stay on Top of Your Hydration
Before you crank the AC, you should consider if you’re getting enough water. Hydration is key for regulating your body temperature, especially in the summer when you’re sweating and losing fluids.
If you’re not replenishing that water, you could find yourself feeling sluggish and overheated. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, as well as sports drinks with electrolytes to replace what you’ve lost.
How Much Water Should You Drink?
Everyone’s fluid needs vary according to their health, age, physical condition, size, and more. The traditional wisdom of “eight 8-ounce glasses a day” is a great start, but it’s not perfect for everyone. In the summer, track your fluid intake and pay attention to any signs of dehydration in your body, such as feeling thirsty.
Dress Properly for the Weather Conditions
If you’re not dressed appropriately for hot weather, you’ll find yourself unable to regulate your own temperature. Summer clothes should consist of lightweight, breathable, and loose-fitting articles of clothing that allow your body to sweat and cool down. Tight clothing or synthetic fabrics will only hold the heat in more.
Also, avoid having too much exposed skin. This not only makes you warmer, but it leaves your skin vulnerable to the harmful effects of the sun. If you do have exposed skin, be sure to use sunscreen and stay in the shade as much as possible. You should also avoid dark colors, which absorb sunlight and can make you feel much hotter.
Babies Need to Also Be Kept Cool
Babies have different needs than adults, especially with hot weather. They’re not able to release body heat or warm themselves up the way adults can, so they rely on us to care for their needs. An overheated baby is at risk for health issues, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
The ideal room temperature for babies should be between 65°F and 74°F. Hotter than that and the baby may overheat, but cooler and they can catch a chill. You should also be mindful of the clothing you put your baby in. Stick with sheets and lightweight clothing, rather than heavy blankets and warm clothes and accessories.
Manage Home Temperatures with a Smart or Programmable Thermostat
Adjusting your thermostat offers significant cost savings, but it can be annoying. Instead of worrying about adjusting the thermostat before you go to bed or leave for the day, invest in a smart thermostat that does the work for you.
These thermostats connect to the internet, so you can control your home’s temperature and comfort level with a click of a button on your smartphone or tablet. Better yet, you can schedule changes like lowering the temperature before you come home from work, so it will already be cool and comfortable when you arrive.
Looking for advice and guidance for your home’s heating and cooling? Contact us at Moore Home Services!
