Southern Indiana summers often push the mercury close to 90°F, and with average humidity hovering above 70% in neighborhoods like Haynie’s Corner and near the University of Southern Indiana campus, your air conditioner works overtime. Without the right temperature settings, you risk sending your HVAC into overdrive, and making your utility bills skyrocket and your indoor air quality fail. So, what is the ideal AC temperature for summer? Reliable Comfort, serving Evansville, Newburgh, and beyond since 2001, is your hometown expert ready to guide you to the best thermostat setting for summer. We’ll help you dial in comfort without sacrificing efficiency, so you can truly relax at home.
Recommended Summer Thermostat Settings
Generally, raising your indoor temperature even a few degrees can shrink your cooling costs dramatically. Adhering to the “20-degree rule” of never setting your thermostat more than 20°F cooler than the outside temperature protects your system from overexertion. By bumping your setting just three or four degrees higher, you’ll see a noticeable reduction in energy consumption and keep your air conditioner running smoothly all season long.
Best Daytime Thermostat Setting
During peak heat, typically between 2 PM and 6 PM, aim for 78°F. This value aligns with DOE and Consumer Reports’ guidance that balances comfort with savings. By keeping your thermostat at this level when you’re home, you maintain a pleasant environment without forcing your AC to operate at maximum output, letting it cycle naturally instead of running constantly.
Setting Your Thermostat At Night
As the sun dips behind the Holiday World tree line and temperatures cool by a few degrees, raise your overnight setting to around 80°F. Your body temperature naturally drops while you sleep, so this slight increase can still feel comfortable, especially when paired with lightweight bedding or a ceiling fan. This tactic yields summer thermostat settings to save money without disturbing your rest.
Should You Turn Off Your Thermostat When You’re Away?
Switching your air conditioner off completely actually forces it to work harder, expending more energy to re-cool your house when you return. Instead, set it to 85°F while you’re gone. That way, you reduce unnecessary runtime without subjecting your system to extremes or inviting humidity issues. A higher set point protects your equipment and prevents moisture buildup that can lead to mold.
Why You Should Set Your AC Fan to Auto
Running your fan in “Auto” mode ensures it only circulates air when cooling cycles are active, removing excess humidity more effectively than continuous operation. When the fan shuts off between cooling bursts, moisture that’s been condensed on the coils drains away instead of re-entering living spaces, which both improves comfort and trims your energy use.
Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat for Maximum Savings
Equipping your home with a programmable or smart thermostat unlocks automated schedules that adapt to your daily routine. Studies show these devices deliver energy-saving thermostat settings that can save up to 8% annually on heating and cooling. Combine higher temperature set points with strategic measures, closing blinds during peak sun hours, using ceiling fans counterclockwise, and sealing doors, to stay cool even at elevated settings.
Why Choose Reliable Comfort?
You deserve a partner that delivers professional, friendly service backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Reliable Comfort’s family-operated team services all HVAC and plumbing brands and offers frequent coupons and specials. Founded in 2001, we’ve invested over two decades in Southern Indiana communities, refining our expertise and earning your trust with every installation and repair.
Experience perfect cooling without the premium price. Contact Reliable Comfort today to schedule your HVAC tune-up and discover the thermostat settings for energy efficiency that work for you.
