My wife and I agree on most things, but the right temperature setting for our home’s central AC isn’t one of them. I like the thermostat pinned at 76° F all summer long — maybe because I grew up in an old, drafty house with only a whole-house fan that sounded like a jet engine in the attic.
Some days I come home and it’s a frigid 68° F.
“What are we made of money!” I bark, as my wife and kids all look the other way (I’m never quite sure who the guilty party is). I’ve had other family and friends balk at my temperature preferences. That’s okay, I have the U.S. Department of Energy in my corner. In fact, the Energy Star website advises setting the thermostat all the way at 78° F during the summer months. Whoa!
Come winter, a similar temperature war plays out in my home. If I had my druthers, I’d keep the heat off until we start seeing our breath in the morning. But if the heat must be on, I don’t want to see it a tick over 68° F. Whenever my family gripes, I remind them that this same temperature wasn’t too cold for them in the summer, now was it?
Of course, I always end up relenting. Marriage and family life are all about compromise, right? In my home, that means keeping the temperature right around 72° F throughout the year. The good thing is, through my decades as a home expert, I’ve picked up a lot of good strategies for relying less on central air conditioning and heating, without torturing your loved ones in the process.
If you haven’t upgraded to a smart thermostat yet, that’s step number one. The device will automatically adjust your home’s temperature when you’re asleep or away, reducing your annual energy bills by 10 percent or more. From there, keep the following seasonal tips in mind.
Summer Cooling Tips
✔️ Block out the sun. About three quarters of sunlight that falls onto windows enters the home as heat, according to the U.S. Energy Department. Drawing blinds and curtains during the day will keep the home cooler, so you won’t have to rely as much on the AC.
✔️ Turn on the fans. The wind chill effect will allow you to turn the AC up by 5 to 10 degrees while keeping comfortable during extreme heat. Ceiling fans are the best option, since they circulate air throughout the room. Remember to set the fan so that the blades are spinning counterclockwise to create maximum breeze.
✔️ Keep the AC running. Many homeowners make the mistake of turning the AC on and off to save money. It’s better to keep the system running, although at a higher temperature, especially during the overnight hours or when you’re away from home.
Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.
