Adjusting the thermostat based on comfort and daily routines can help manage cooling use. At Ed Rike Plumbing Heating & Air, we also recommend pairing smart thermostat habits with routine air conditioner maintenance to help keep systems running efficiently. A recent USA Today report found that Americans have different preferences for indoor temperatures during the summer.
What’s the Best Thermostat Setting for Ohio Summers?
78°F is the setting the Department of Energy points to for daytime comfort paired with efficiency. The closer your indoor temperature sits to the outdoor temperature, the less your system runs, and the lower your bill.
How Much Can You Save by Raising the Thermostat?
The Department of Energy also states that turning a thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling combined. The table below shows how that plays out over a typical day.
| Time of Day | Suggested Setting | Why |
| Home, awake | 78°F | Balances comfort and efficiency |
| Away | 85-88°F | Cuts run time while nobody’s there |
| Asleep | 80-82°F | Small setback, minimal comfort loss |
Do Fans or Thermostat Type Change the Results?
A ceiling or box fan lets you comfortably hold 78°F or higher, since moving air feels cooler than still air. A programmable or smart thermostat holds these settings automatically, so the schedule doesn’t rely on remembering to adjust the dial. Either way, don’t set it colder than your target; it won’t cool the house any faster.
Does a Neglected AC Undercut These Thermostat Settings?
Yes, and homeowners often miss this. A setback schedule only works if the system can catch back up quickly once you lower the temperature again. A strained unit takes longer to pull the house down to 78°F, which cancels out the savings. Our technicians at Ed Rike Plumbing Heating & Air recommend scheduling air conditioner maintenance for Miamisburg homes and businesses before setting your thermostat schedule. If the unit is already struggling, air conditioning repair is the faster fix.
Common Thermostat Questions
1.Can I set the thermostat cooler than 78°F?
Yes. It’s a starting point, not a rule. Many homeowners run it 2 to 4 degrees cooler and still see savings from the setback.
2.Is 78°F comfortable in Ohio’s humidity?
It can be with a fan running. If it still feels warm, the system may need maintenance rather than a colder setting.
3.What thermostat holds these settings automatically?
Programmable and smart thermostats both hold multiple daily settings without manual adjustment.
Ready to Put These Settings to Work?
A thermostat schedule only pays off if the equipment behind it runs the way it should. If your unit is on its last stretch, AC installation may beat another season of workarounds. Otherwise, our team at Ed Rike Plumbing Heating & Air can get your current system dialed in with air conditioning service near Miamisburg or anywhere in the Dayton metropolitan area. Call (937) 962-2939 or email carrie.lunsford@edrikeplumbing.com.
