Best Thermostat Settings for Georgia Summers
Georgia summers are long, hot, and humid — which makes your thermostat setting one of the biggest factors in both your comfort and your power bill. Here’s what energy experts actually recommend.
The Recommended Setting: 78°F
Both the U.S. Department of Energy and Georgia Power recommend setting your thermostat to 78°F while you’re home during the summer. It may sound warmer than what many households are used to, but it represents the sweet spot between comfort and efficiency for Georgia’s climate. This setting can help you save on your energy bills.
According to Georgia Power, every degree you raise your thermostat above 78°F can reduce your energy usage by 3-4%. That means if your household is currently running at 72°F, adjusting up to 78°F could cut your cooling costs by as much as 18-24%.
Adjusting When You’re Away or Asleep
While away from home: Raise your thermostat to 82-86°F when no one is home. Georgia Power specifically recommends 86°F for empty homes during the day, which can meaningfully add up over a billing cycle.
While sleeping: Many HVAC experts recommend a moderate setback overnight rather than a large swing, since Georgia’s high overnight humidity means your system still needs to manage moisture even at a higher set temperature.
Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
Manually adjusting your thermostat throughout the day is easy to forget. A programmable or smart thermostat lets you automate these adjustments — cooling down before you arrive home and easing back when you leave — which can cut your annual cooling bill by up to 10% on its own.
Don’t Forget Ceiling Fans
Georgia Power specifically recommends pairing your 78°F setting with ceiling fans, which can make a room feel about 5 degrees cooler without actually lowering the thermostat. This lets you stay comfortable at a more energy-efficient setting rather than being tempted to push your AC lower.
Why This Matters More in Georgia
Georgia’s combination of high heat and high humidity means your AC system works overtime compared to drier climates — removing moisture is just as taxing on your system as lowering temperature. Finding the right thermostat setting isn’t just about saving money; it’s about reducing unnecessary strain on your system during the months it works hardest.
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