Thermostat Wars: How to Set the Best Temperature This Summer
It’s a familiar scene in households throughout Southern California: one person walks by the thermostat and drops it to a crisp 68°F, hoping for fast relief from the heat. Minutes later, someone else nudges it back up to 75°F, trying to save on energy costs—or because they’re freezing under a ceiling fan. And just like that, the thermostat wars begin. These quiet battles over comfort and control play out daily in homes everywhere, especially during the height of summer when temperatures soar and energy bills follow suit.
At Shalom Heating & Air, we see it all the time. Finding that perfect indoor temperature is about more than just preference—it affects your comfort, your monthly utility bills, your HVAC system’s performance, and even the lifespan of your equipment. Striking a balance between staying cool and keeping costs under control can feel like a challenge, especially when multiple people in the house have different comfort levels.
But the good news is that you don’t have to pick sides. With the right strategy and a few smart adjustments, you can manage your thermostat in a way that keeps everyone relatively happy—without wasting energy or putting unnecessary strain on your air conditioner. Whether you’re dealing with a household of thermostat tamperers or just want to optimize efficiency, we’re here to help you take control—and restore peace to your home this summer.
Tips to Stay Cool Without Cranking the Thermostat
Finding balance is about more than just the numbers. Use these smart strategies to stay comfortable:
These habits support your cooling system and help maintain comfort even at higher thermostat settings.
What’s the Ideal Temperature for Summer?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the ideal thermostat setting for summer is 78°F when you’re home and awake. This temperature keeps most people comfortable while helping reduce energy consumption and avoid unnecessary strain on your air conditioner.
When you’re away from home, setting the thermostat 7–10 degrees higher (around 85°F) can help lower your cooling bill without affecting comfort. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, setting temperature schedules is a simple way to automate these changes.
Why Not Set It Lower?
We get it—78°F might not feel cool enough, especially during a SoCal heatwave. But every degree below that mark increases your energy use by about 3–5%. So, if you’re setting the thermostat at 70°F all day, you’re likely driving up your monthly bill far more than you think.
Lower settings can also cause your AC system to cycle more frequently or run constantly, leading to faster wear and tear and a greater chance of a breakdown when you need it most.
Smart Thermostats: A Peacekeeper in the War
Want to end the thermostat battle for good? Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. These devices learn your habits, automatically adjust temperatures, and allow remote control via smartphone. They also provide energy usage data, helping you make smarter decisions about cooling.
Our team at Shalom Heating & Air installs and configures smart thermostats that work seamlessly with your current HVAC system—so you can enjoy both comfort and control.
Win the War with Comfort and Efficiency
You don’t have to choose between comfort and cost this summer. By setting your thermostat strategically, making simple energy-saving adjustments, and investing in smart technology, you can cool your home efficiently without constant temperature battles.
Need help with a thermostat upgrade or AC tune-up? Shalom Heating & Air is here for homeowners across Anaheim, Brea, Long Beach, Garden Grove, and nearby cities. Let’s keep your home cool, calm, and energy-efficient all summer long.
