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In many homes, there are differences in opinion when it comes to the temperature. Some people will want it cold all year long and others never want to shiver at all.

That type of argument may continue to happen but at least we now have a little more light shed on the subject. That comes in the form of a recent study that shows the best temperature to set the air system on is 82°.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Consumer Reports has a lot to say on the subject. According to them, the recommendation by the Department Of Energy and Energy Star is to set your thermostat at 78° while home and 85° while away. The recommendation is also for 82° while asleep.

It is one thing to recommend this but quite another to convince everyone in your household that those numbers are the best option. The temperature recommendations aren’t completely to keep people comfortable, but they also had to do with energy efficiency.

Photo: PXHERE

2,280 adults in the United States were surveyed by Consumer Reports in June 2021. On average, those who were surveyed set their thermostats at 71°.

Most of us would admit that 71° is a lot more reasonable than 82°, but there was more to the story. People who live in the south tend to live with a higher temperature in their homes during the day (72°) and at night (71°). In the Northeast, on the other hand, the temperature is slightly lower at 70° on average.

Photo: flickr/CORGI HomePlan

Consumer Reports also noted that raising the temperature or lowering it one degree at a time can give us a good idea of how it will affect our comfort. If you are only able to raise it a small amount and save 3% on your energy bill, that can make a difference.

They also recommend running a fan or opening the windows at night if it is comfortable to do so. Keeping your windows and blinds closed while it is sunny and warm can also help to keep the house at a more comfortable temperature.

Photo: PXHERE

Consumer Reports said: “If you need the AC when you get home, program it to go on before you arrive or, with some thermostats, turn it on with a smartphone app.”

You can also avoid using major appliances in the home during the day or when it is extremely hot. That can also include the oven, but aside from cooking on the grill, you may have to run the oven daily to make food for the family.

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