What’s the best thermostat setting for summer in WA? Get advice from experts

Hot summers can mean many things — more time outside, more water drank, more frozen treats consumed.

It can also mean more spending on energy, with fans plugged in, heat turned off and air conditioning units turned up.

How can residents in Washington state save money on energy without overheating this summer?

What’s the best thermostat setting for summer in WA?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save on heating and cooling costs by turning your thermostat back seven to 10 degrees from its normal setting eight hours per day.

This can shave up to 10% off your energy bill.

“The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be,” the federal agency said, adding that people living in milder climates will see the biggest savings.

During the summer, the Energy Department recommends setting your thermostat “as high as is comfortable” when you’re home, and keeping it warmer than normal when you’re away.

You can also raise the temperature while you’re sleeping to increase those savings.

In any case, energy bills are lower when the temperature inside is closer to the temperature outside.

When finding your ideal temperature, see how close you can get to the outside temperature while still remaining comfortable.

Do not try to cool your home faster by using a cooler setting straight away. This only increases your utility costs.

Several sources, including federal energy efficiency program Energy Star, recommend setting your air conditioner at around 78 degrees in the summer.

A spokesperson for Puget Sound Energy, which services more than a million customers in Western Washington, previously told McClatchy Media that customers should set their AC to 72 degrees during the warmer months.

How can I save money on energy during the summer?

There are other ways to keep energy costs low while cooling your home throughout the summer.

These methods may come with upfront expenses but will save you more in the long run, experts said.

For example, installing window coverings to keep heat from coming in through the windows will require some money at first, but will keep your home cooler every summer for years to come.

Do lighting choices make a difference?

Your lighting choices can impact your energy use during the summer.

Switching to energy-efficient LED bulbs and keeping lamps away from thermostats can save you money, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Additionally, take advantage of daylight while also avoiding direct sunlight that will also warm your home.

Always be sure to turn off lights you aren’t using.

Will fans help cool my home?

The federal Energy Department also recommends turning off ceiling fans when leaving a room.

“Remember that fans cool people, not rooms, by creating a wind chill effect,” the agency said.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends checking for cracks and air leaks in your home that may be letting warm air in.

Air seal any openings and add caulk or weatherstripping around doors and windows.

This article contains information previously published in a story by former service reporter Daniel Schrager.