Choose a reasonable starting point
ENERGY STAR commonly identifies about 78°F as an efficient cooling-season starting point for occupied homes, but comfort, humidity, health, building design, and equipment vary. Increase the setting gradually and use your daily kWh to judge the effect.
Use schedules instead of constant adjustments
A programmable or smart thermostat can raise the setting when the home is regularly empty and return it before occupancy. Avoid schedules that fight the household’s actual routine. In a hot-humid climate, do not shut cooling off for long periods if doing so creates humidity or comfort problems.
Use the system fan setting intentionally
The Auto setting generally runs the blower with active cooling. A continuous On setting can use additional electricity and, depending on the system and climate, may affect indoor humidity. Ask an HVAC professional if the system needs a different setting for ventilation or air-quality reasons.
Pair the thermostat with low-cost habits
- Run ceiling fans only in occupied rooms.
- Keep return grilles and supply vents open and unobstructed unless the system was professionally designed otherwise.
- Check the filter monthly during heavy-use periods and replace or clean it when needed.
- Limit strong afternoon sun with effective window coverings.
- Avoid adding oven, dryer, or other heat indoors during the hottest hours when practical.
Do not chase savings at the expense of safety
Very young or older occupants and people with medical conditions may need tighter temperature limits. Comfort and health come first. The goal is to remove unnecessary runtime, not force an unsafe indoor temperature.