Michigan, What Temp Should You Set Your Thermostat on Hot Days?

We’re in the middle of a brutal summer heatwave, with most of Michigan, including parts of the Upper Peninsula, baking in the 80s and 90s.

First off, my condolences if you don’t have air conditioning.

That’s rough. I’ve been there.

When I was single and living in a small house in Burton, I didn’t have central air or even a window unit. It was miserable. I remember wandering around Meijer with a shopping cart just to escape the heat, turning a 10-minute grocery run into a three-hour excursion.

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The movie theater was another go-to, but for some reason, they always kept it ridiculously cold. You’d walk in wearing shorts and a T-shirt, and by the time the credits rolled, you’d be shivering. Then came the real shock: stepping back outside into a wall of hot, sticky Michigan air.

So, How Cold Do You Keep Your House When It’s Scorching Hot Outside?

If you’re like most people, your first instinct is to crank the AC way down and chill out. But here’s the thing: setting your thermostat just a few degrees higher can actually save you a surprising amount on your energy bill.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save up to 3% on your cooling costs for every degree you raise your thermostat above 72 degrees. That means if you typically keep your home at 72°F and bump it up to 75°F, you could cut your bill by around 9%. Most people won’t notice much of a difference in comfort, especially if ceiling fans or dehumidifiers are helping to keep the air moving.

You may scoff when I tell you this: we set ours at 78 degrees. It sounds warm, I know. But it’s significantly cooler than the outside air, and when the AC pulls the humidity out, the house feels surprisingly comfortable. Remember the old saying: It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.

What do the Experts Say?

Turns out my thinking isn’t out of line. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and need to stay cool. If you’re going to be away for several hours, raising it to 82 to 85°F can help save even more, without sacrificing comfort when you return.

Bottom Line?

Michigan summers can be brutal, but you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to save money. Setting your thermostat a few degrees higher, especially during peak heat, can help keep your energy bill in check without turning your home into a sauna.

Stay cool, stay smart, and maybe don’t spend three hours wandering around the grocery store.