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Posted: July 6, 2026
Summer energy bills have a way of getting your attention.
When temperatures rise, it is tempting to lower the thermostat a few extra degrees and hope the house cools down faster. But that approach leads to higher cooling costs without giving much added comfort.
A properly programmed thermostat can help your cooling system work more efficiently by adjusting temperatures around your schedule instead of cooling an empty house all day.
Whether you have a basic programmable thermostat or a newer smart thermostat, a few simple settings can help improve comfort, reduce energy use, and make it easier to manage your home’s cooling throughout the summer.
Most programmable thermostats follow the same basic setup: Wake, Leave, Return, and Sleep.
Start by making sure the thermostat is set to the correct day and time. Then switch the system mode to “Cool” and set the temperature to match your daily routine. For example, you may want a comfortable temperature when everyone is home, a higher setting while the house is empty during the day, and another adjustment overnight while sleeping.
It is also worth checking the fan setting. In most cases, “Auto” is the most efficient option because the fan only runs when the cooling system is actively operating. Leaving the fan set to “On” means it will continue running even when the air conditioner is not cooling, which can increase energy use and operating costs.
One of the most common questions you may be asking is what temperature you should set your thermostat to during the summer.
While comfort preferences vary from household to household, many energy experts recommend a setting of around 76°F when people are home and awake. This temperature typically provides a good balance between comfort and energy efficiency.
When the house is empty for several hours, raising the temperature a few degrees can help reduce cooling costs without affecting comfort. The same principle applies overnight; some people prefer a slightly cooler setting for sleeping, while others keep a consistent temperature around the clock.
One thing that does not help is dramatically lowering the thermostat when the house feels warm. If the temperature indoors is 80°F, setting the thermostat to 65°F will not cool the home any faster than setting it to 75°F. It simply tells the system to keep running until it reaches the lower temperature.
Sometimes the issue is not the thermostat itself; it is how the thermostat is being used.
Something that could affect your thermostat the most is constantly adjusting the temperature throughout the day. It’s common to lower the thermostat when the house feels warm, then raise it again once the system catches up. However, those constant changes can make it harder to support consistent comfort and will result in the cooling system working harder than necessary.
It is also worth revisiting the fan setting. While running the fan continuously may seem like a good way to circulate air, it also uses more electricity. For most homes, the “Auto” setting provides the best balance between comfort and efficiency because the fan only runs when the cooling system is actively operating. The one exception would be if someone in your household has allergies or asthma. Running the blower fan will help air filters in your home trap more airborne particles, such as dust, pet dander, and pollen.
Getting the most from your thermostat starts with having the right equipment and settings for your home. Whether you’re looking to lower cooling costs, improve comfort, or upgrade to the convenience of a smart thermostat, choosing the right solution can make a noticeable difference throughout the year.
Since 1926, Wilson Oil & Propane has been helping homeowners throughout southeastern Pennsylvania and the rest of the Delaware Valley stay comfortable. As a full-service, family-owned home comfort company, Wilson offers programmable and smart thermostat solutions, as well as expert heating, cooling, and IAQ services to help customers improve efficiency and get the most from their home comfort systems.
If you’re considering a thermostat upgrade or looking for ways to improve your home’s comfort and energy performance, the Wilson team is ready to help.
