What’s the best thermostat setting to stay cool in NC and save money this summer?

Summer is officially here and North Carolina has already been hit with the first heat wave of the season ,with stifling temperatures expected to reach the upper 90s (and “feels like” temps over 100).

As the temperatures increase this season, it’s likely your energy bill could too. But there are several things you can do — whether you’re home or not — to keep your space cool while also saving money.

To cut down on energy usage, you should set your thermostat to the highest comfortable setting in the summer. Duke Energy recommends 78 degrees when you’re home and 80 degrees while you are away — and says “each degree you raise your thermostat can help you save up to 5% in cooling costs.”

“You can save as much as 10 percent a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting,” according to the U.S. Department of Energy. “The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be.”

Even setting your thermostat to a warmer temperature while you’re away is another method that can help too, as long as you’re not blasting your AC as soon as you return.

“Avoid setting your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and, therefore, unnecessary expense,” the U.S. The Department of Energy’s website says. “A higher interior temperature will slow the flow of heat into your house, saving energy on air conditioning.”

Other tips to keep your power bill lower in summer

In addition to adjusting your thermostat, here are some other recommended methods you use to keep your home cool while saving money on your energy bill:

• Seal any cracks or openings around doors and windows.

• Keep windows covered to avoid more sunlight and heat during the day.

• Turn off ceiling fans if you are not present in the room.

• Use bathroom fans after showers or baths to remove heat and humidity.

• Avoid putting lamps or TV sets near thermostats that may sense extra heat from appliances.

• Make sure air flow from vents are being blocked by furniture and that vents are vacuumed regularly to get rid of any dust buildup.

You can find more information on energy-saving methods from the U.S. Department of Energy online at energy.gov.

This story was originally published June 24, 2024 at 11:47 AM with the headline "What’s the best thermostat setting to stay cool in NC and save money this summer?."

Chyna Blackmon

The Charlotte Observer

Chyna Blackmon was a service journalism reporter for The Charlotte Observer. A native of the Carolinas, she grew up in Columbia, SC, and graduated from Queens University of Charlotte. She’s also worked in local television news in Charlotte, NC, and Richmond, VA. Support my work with a digital subscription