How to set your Georgia AC thermostat for low temps and cost this summer

Farmer almanacs as well as the National Weather Service predict a hotter-than-average summer in Georgia, and the average is usually fairly hot.

Residents could end up spending a lot of money on staying cool. Here are some tips for relief without breaking the bank:

What temperature should my thermostat be in Georgia?

Georgia Power recommends keeping your thermostat as low as 78 degrees in the summer. Not sure about that? In general, the Department of Energy says the smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your bill will be.

The agency also recommends keeping a home warmer than normal when away to avoid unnecessary air conditioning use.

At the same time, avoid setting your thermostat to a colder setting than normal because it won’t cool your home faster and could result in excessive cooling with a higher bill. As part of that, don’t forget to ensure your thermostat’s fan is set to “Auto,” not “On.” Otherwise, it will just continuously blow even when it doesn’t need to.

Which direction should your fans rotate in the summer?

In summer, ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise when you look up at them. This direction pushes cool air downwards, creating a cooling breeze that helps you feel more comfortable.

If you didn’t know already, you can usually find a button or switch at the base of your fan that changes the direction your fan spins.

Does opening garage doors help with heat?

A closed garage in summer can get insanely hot. But whether or not keeping the door open will help is up for debate. Angi (formerly known as Angi’s List) said it adds ventilation and makes it less stifling, and D Bar Garage Doors said it can dissipate some of the heat that’s built up throughout the day. 

However, experts on Homes & Gardens said this creates potential security risks, lets animals in, and potentially damages your door if it’s old. It’s also not the most efficient way of fighting off the heat.

More tips for staying cool while keeping electric bills down

• Wear light-colored and light-weight clothing.
• Drink plenty of ice-cold water.
• Close curtains and blinds to keep direct sunlight out. Blackout curtains will help with this even more. 
• Change your A/C filters and keep vents clear.
• Close doors and vents of rooms you’re not using. But don’t close off any rooms that connect to rooms you do use; you’ll block airflow through the area.

Who is more susceptible to heat?

Older adults are more prone to heat stress, according to the Centers for Disease Control. They don’t adjust as well to temperature changes, they’re more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes their normal responses to heat, and they’re more likely to take prescription medicines that affect the body’s ability to control its temperature. Heat can be a particular problem for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related illnesses because they may not notice they are overheating.

Those with certain neurodivergent conditions, like autism or ADHD, may also be more susceptible to heat, as many with these conditions deal with sensory overload. Some medications that treat these sorts of conditions may also increase heat sensitivity.

How hot will it be this summer?

The National Weather Service’s seasonal temperature outlook for June through August predicts a 40-50% chance of above normal temperatures for nearly all of Georgia, except the northwest edge, where it’s a 33-40% chance. An average amount of precipitation is expected.

When is summer?

The first day of summer is marked by the summer solstice, which is June 20 or 21 and occurs at the moment Earth’s tilt toward the Sun is at a maximum. This year’s is on June 21, but don’t be surprised if the summer-like conditions have already begun.

Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.