Here in the south, the summer heat can be brutal, but just as brutal is the humidity. The temperature you set your thermostat is important for cooling as well as dehumidifying.

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78F for energy savings. For most of us that’s not comfortable. Somewhere between 72 to 76 degrees is a good range set your thermostat to during peak summer heat. There’s no one answer for everyone. There are a few things you should know when deciding what temperature to set your thermostat.

Homeowners often raise the temperature when they leave the home for a few hours. During peak heat periods, the indoor home temperature rises considerably. If you raise the setting on your thermostat every time you leave the house, it might actually increase your energy bill. Your HVAC unit has to work hard to lower the temperature and the humidity. It is more energy efficient to maintain a comfortable temperature like 75 degrees.

If you let the temperature in your house get too high, it will take a long time to bring the temperature back down. The HVAC unit takes in the hot air and cools it 18 to 20 degrees then releases it back into the home. It is mixing with air that hasn’t been cooled yet. The air coming out of the grills will be cooler, but it will take time to reach the temperature you set on your thermostat.

A common air conditioning service call is second floor units not maintaining temperature. For two story homes with two systems, set the upstairs thermostat one degree lower than the thermostat on the first floor. Hot air rises and cold air drops. If the first floor is set at 72 degrees and the second floor 74 degrees the upstairs will have a hard time maintaining 74 degrees.

If your HVAC system is not maintaining the temperature on your thermostat, or the air is not as cool as it should be, it’s time to have the system serviced.