How Should I Set My Smart Thermostat for Summer?

When the summer heat hits Delaware Valley, keeping your home comfortable without skyrocketing energy bills becomes a top priority. A smart thermostat is one of the best tools you can use to manage your home’s temperature efficiently. But simply installing a smart thermostat isn’t enough—you need to know how to use it effectively.

At Koala Insulation of Delaware Valley, we help homeowners optimize their energy use with top-notch insulation services, and part of our commitment includes offering guidance on how to make the most of smart technology in your home. In this blog, we’ll explain how to set your smart thermostat for the summer, reduce energy waste, and keep your home consistently cool.

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What Is a Smart Thermostat?

A smart thermostat is a Wi-Fi-enabled device that allows you to control your home’s heating and cooling system remotely via smartphone, tablet, or voice commands. These devices can learn your daily habits, adjust settings automatically, and provide insights on energy usage.

When used correctly, smart thermostats can significantly reduce your summer energy bills—especially when paired with proper insulation from Koala Insulation of Delaware Valley.

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The Ideal Summer Thermostat Settings

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the recommended thermostat setting for summer is 78°F (26°C) when you’re home. While this may seem high, it strikes a good balance between comfort and energy savings.

Here are ideal settings to follow:

• When Home: 76°F–78°F
• When Away: 85°F or higher
• When Sleeping: 74°F–76°F (depending on comfort level)

By raising the temperature when you’re not home or sleeping, you allow your cooling system to rest and save energy.

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Smart Thermostat Scheduling Tips

Smart thermostats offer programmable scheduling features that let you automate temperature changes based on your daily routine. Setting a personalized schedule helps you save energy without sacrificing comfort.

Sample Weekday Schedule:

• 6:30 AM – 8:00 AM: 74°F (cool while getting ready)
• 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM: 84°F (higher temp while at work)
• 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM: 76°F (comfortable for evening time)
• 10:00 PM – 6:30 AM: 74°F (slightly cooler for sleeping)

Weekend Schedule:
Adjust for more time spent at home but try to maintain temperatures around 78°F to optimize savings.

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Use Eco Mode and Learning Features

Many smart thermostats include “Eco Mode” or energy-saving settings. These are designed to find the most efficient temperatures for your home based on real-time conditions, weather, and your preferences.

Some devices, like the Nest Learning Thermostat or ecobee, analyze your habits over time and automatically adjust to save energy without you lifting a finger. Make sure you’ve activated these features in your thermostat’s app for maximum benefit.

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Leverage Geofencing Technology

Geofencing allows your smart thermostat to detect when you’re home or away based on your smartphone’s location. When everyone leaves the house, it automatically adjusts to a higher temperature. When someone is on their way back, it cools the home in advance.

This technology works best when paired with proper insulation. Without effective insulation, your home may lose cool air quickly, forcing your thermostat to work overtime.

That’s why Koala Insulation of Delaware Valley always recommends upgrading insulation before relying heavily on automation for savings.

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Don’t Forget About Humidity

In Delaware Valley, summer humidity can make your home feel warmer than it actually is. Some smart thermostats work with whole-home dehumidifiers or include humidity sensors to manage moisture levels more effectively.

High humidity can also make your AC system less efficient, which means controlling both temperature and moisture is key. Insulation plays a major role in keeping humidity out of your living spaces—especially in attics and crawlspaces.

At Koala Insulation of Delaware Valley, we offer air sealing and insulation services that help reduce unwanted humidity and improve indoor comfort.

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Pairing a Smart Thermostat with Proper Insulation

Even the most advanced smart thermostat can’t overcome poor insulation. If your home isn’t properly insulated, cool air will escape and hot air will enter—making it difficult to maintain a consistent temperature and forcing your HVAC system to work harder.

Key areas to insulate for summer efficiency:

• Attics: Hot air rises, and a poorly insulated attic is a major source of heat gain.
• Walls: Adding or upgrading wall insulation reduces heat transfer.
• Crawlspaces & Basements: These often-overlooked areas can impact your entire home’s temperature and humidity.

With expert installation from Koala Insulation of Delaware Valley, you can create a thermal barrier that allows your smart thermostat to operate more efficiently—saving you money every month.

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Energy-Saving Tips to Maximize Your Smart Thermostat

In addition to proper thermostat settings, here are a few more ways to reduce summer energy costs:

• Use ceiling fans: They help circulate air and let you raise your thermostat setting without sacrificing comfort.
• Keep blinds and curtains closed: Block direct sunlight during peak hours to reduce indoor heat gain.
• Seal windows and doors: Use weatherstripping and caulk to prevent cool air from escaping.
• Avoid heat-generating appliances in the afternoon: Run ovens and dryers in the early morning or evening to avoid overheating your home.

Together with smart thermostat use and proper insulation, these tips can lead to significant summer energy savings.

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When to Call the Experts

If you’ve installed a smart thermostat and are still experiencing high bills, hot spots, or HVAC inefficiency, your insulation may be the issue.

At Koala Insulation of Delaware Valley, we provide free home evaluations to assess your current insulation levels, check for air leaks, and recommend energy-saving improvements that complement your smart home setup.

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Conclusion: Let Koala Insulation of Delaware Valley Help

Setting your smart thermostat for summer is only one piece of the energy-efficiency puzzle. To get the most out of your HVAC system and smart technology, your home needs to be properly insulated and sealed.

Call Koala Insulation of Delaware Valley today at (856) 389-0075 or visit https://koalainsulation.com/f/Delaware-Valley to schedule your free estimate. Let our team help you build a cooler, more efficient home that saves you money all summer long.