What Temperature Should I Set My Thermostat To in Summer?

When the summer heat hits Los Angeles and surrounding areas like Beverly Hills or Santa Monica, keeping cool without skyrocketing your electric bill becomes a balancing act. One of the most frequently asked questions we hear at CD HVAC is:

What temperature should I set my thermostat to in summer?

Let’s break it down — and give you practical advice to stay comfortable and save money.

🧠 The Recommended Temperature: 78°F When You're Home

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the ideal thermostat setting in summer is 78°F (25.5°C) when you’re at home and awake. This temperature strikes a good balance between comfort and energy efficiency.

📉 Want to Save More? Adjust It When You’re Away

If you’re leaving the house or heading to bed, you can raise the thermostat to 85°F (29°C). Why? Your HVAC system won’t work as hard to cool an empty space — helping reduce your energy consumption and extend the lifespan of your unit.

Here’s a simple guide:

SituationRecommended TempAt home & active | 78°F

Sleeping or away | 82–85°F

With ceiling fans on | You can go higher (77–80°F) and still feel cool

🛠️ Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

If you're manually adjusting the temperature every day — it's time for an upgrade. A programmable or smart thermostat lets you automate changes based on your schedule. Some even learn your habits and adjust automatically for comfort and savings.

📲 CD HVAC installs and configures smart thermostats across Los Angeles. Ask us how to get started.

🌬️ What If 78°F Feels Too Warm?

Everyone's comfort level is different. If you have health issues, elderly family members, or young kids, you may want to keep the house slightly cooler. In that case:

• Use ceiling fans to improve air circulation

• Keep blinds or curtains closed during peak heat

• Avoid using heat-producing appliances mid-day

  
  
  
  

💸 What You Can Save

For every degree you raise your thermostat above 72°F, you can save up to 3% on cooling costs. Over a whole summer, that adds up. And for Southern California homes running AC daily, it can be the difference between a $150 and a $300 monthly electric bill.

Final Thoughts: Comfort Meets Efficiency

At CD HVAC, we believe you should never have to choose between comfort and savings. Setting your thermostat wisely is one of the easiest steps you can take toward healthier air, lower bills, and a longer-lasting system.

Need help upgrading your thermostat or getting your system summer-ready?

We’ve been proudly serving Los Angeles families for over 20 years with honest advice and expert service.

📞 Contact us today for a free in-home estimate.