What To Keep Thermostat On In Summer

Summer's here! The sun is blazing. Ice cream trucks are playing that same song...again. And the big question looms: what to keep that thermostat on? It's a battle as old as air conditioning itself. Let’s dive in, shall we?

The "Responsible" Recommendation

We've all heard it. Experts say 78 degrees Fahrenheit. It's the magical number for energy savings. It’s supposed to be comfortable enough. Your electric bill will thank you. Your wallet will send virtual hugs. Sounds fantastic, right? Except... it's summer! And sometimes, 78 degrees inside feels like you're living in a lightly-air-conditioned oven.

They say adjust it when you leave. Set it higher. Save more money. Be responsible! But honestly? Who remembers to do that every single day? I forget where I put my keys half the time.

My Unpopular Opinion (Prepare Yourselves!)

Here it is. Brace yourselves. I like it cold. Really cold. I'm talking polar bear levels of comfort. Okay, maybe not polar bear. But close. Like, 72 degrees. Sometimes even lower. Don't judge me!

"But think of the environment!"

I hear you. I really do. I recycle. I use reusable grocery bags (most of the time). I even try to remember to turn off the lights when I leave a room. But when it comes to surviving summer? I’m prioritizing comfort. It’s called self-care, people!

Think of it this way. Wouldn’t you be more productive if you are more comfortable? Won't you smile more often? Less cranky. A happier you is a better you. And that benefits everyone!

The "Compromise" Conundrum

Of course, living with other people complicates things. Spouses. Roommates. Kids who think 80 degrees is "perfectly fine." Negotiations must be made. Compromises considered. It's like international diplomacy, but with more sweat.

Maybe you can sneakily lower the temperature a degree or two when no one’s looking. (I’m not recommending this, of course. Hypothetically speaking.) Or perhaps you invest in a really good fan. Strategically placed, a fan can make a world of difference. It’s like a personal arctic blast.

Or you could just wear a sweater inside. Yes, a sweater. In the summer. It’s a bold statement. A declaration of war against heat. I respect that.

The Bottom Line (Sort Of)

Honestly, there's no right answer. The perfect thermostat setting is subjective. It depends on your tolerance for heat. Your budget. Your living situation. And your overall desire to avoid becoming a sweaty, miserable mess.

Experiment! See what works for you. Find that sweet spot where you’re comfortable but not single-handedly responsible for melting the polar ice caps (maybe). And remember, a little humor can go a long way in resolving thermostat-related conflicts.

Consider a smart thermostat. I have a Nest. I can control from my phone! It's like having superpowers. I can pre-cool the house before I get home. Maximum comfort achieved!

And when all else fails? Blame it on the dog. "He gets too hot, you know." Works every time. (Disclaimer: I do not guarantee this will work every time.)

So, crank up that AC (responsibly, of course... or maybe not). Enjoy your summer. And try to stay cool, both literally and figuratively. After all, life's too short to be uncomfortable. Especially when you have the power to control the temperature.