What Setting Should a Home Thermostat Use in the Summer?

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During the summer, a home thermostat should be set no lower than 78 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal energy usage. This temperature setting allows the air conditioning unit to work correctly, without using an excessive amount of energy to keep the home cool.

Individuals who want to save money on their home energy bills may also find that they can slash costs by adding a programmable thermostat. These thermostats can be set to raise and lower the temperature in the home at specific times of the day. Users often allow the temperature to increase slightly during periods of time when the home is unoccupied. This reduces the need to run the air conditioner during peak hours and can reduce the rate these individuals pay to cool their home each summer.