Best Thermostat Settings for Phoenix Summer
How Phoenix Homeowners Can Stay Cool Without Sky-High Energy Bills
Summer in Phoenix is no joke. With temperatures regularly climbing above 110°F, your air conditioner works harder than almost anywhere else in the country. Setting your thermostat correctly can make a big difference in comfort, energy efficiency, and the lifespan of your HVAC system.
In this guide, the experts at Empire Plumbing & Air Conditioning explain the best thermostat settings for Phoenix summers and how homeowners can keep their homes cool while avoiding massive electric bills.
Recommended Thermostat Setting for Phoenix Summer
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to:
78°F when you are home and awake
This temperature provides a good balance between comfort and energy efficiency in extremely hot climates like Phoenix.
Why 78°F Works Best
• Reduces strain on your AC system
• Helps lower monthly energy costs
• Maintains comfortable indoor humidity levels
• Extends the lifespan of your HVAC system
Every degree you lower your thermostat can increase cooling costs by 6–8%, which adds up quickly during Arizona summers.
Best Thermostat Settings When You’re Away
When you’re not home, raising the thermostat slightly can save significant energy.
Recommended setting:
85°F when away from home
Your AC will run far less while you’re gone, but your home will still stay within a reasonable temperature range.
Best Thermostat Settings for Sleeping
At night, many homeowners prefer cooler temperatures.
Recommended setting:
74–76°F for sleeping
Lower nighttime temperatures can improve sleep comfort while still keeping cooling costs under control.
Thermostat Settings That Save the Most Money
Here is a simple schedule Phoenix homeowners can follow:
| Time of Day | Recommended Setting |
|---|---|
| Morning | 78°F |
| Afternoon | 78–80°F |
| Away from home | 85°F |
| Night / sleeping | 74–76°F |
Using a programmable or smart thermostat can automatically adjust these settings throughout the day.
Why Phoenix Homes Need Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats are becoming increasingly popular because they automatically adjust cooling based on your schedule.
Benefits include:
• Lower energy bills
• Remote temperature control
• Learning your cooling habits
• Improved system efficiency
• Alerts when maintenance is needed
Many Phoenix homeowners save 10–15% on cooling costs with a properly programmed thermostat.
Other Tips to Keep Your Home Cooler in Phoenix
Proper thermostat settings are just one piece of the puzzle. These additional tips can improve cooling efficiency:
Replace Air Filters Regularly
Dirty filters restrict airflow and make your AC system work harder.
Recommended replacement:
Every 1–2 months during summer.
Use Ceiling Fans
Fans help circulate cool air and allow you to raise the thermostat 3–4 degrees without sacrificing comfort.
Keep Sunlight Out
Close blinds or curtains during peak afternoon heat to reduce indoor temperatures.
Schedule Regular AC Maintenance
Routine tune-ups keep your system running efficiently during Phoenix’s brutal summer heat.
Maintenance helps:
• Prevent breakdowns
• Improve airflow
• Reduce energy consumption
• Extend system lifespan
When Thermostat Settings Don’t Solve the Problem
If your home still feels hot even with the thermostat set correctly, it may indicate:
• Low refrigerant
• Dirty condenser coils
• Poor airflow
• Duct leaks
• Aging HVAC equipment
A professional inspection can identify the cause and prevent costly repairs later.
Phoenix HVAC Experts You Can Trust
At Empire Plumbing & Air Conditioning, our licensed technicians help homeowners throughout the Phoenix area stay comfortable all summer long. From AC maintenance to full system replacements, we provide reliable solutions designed for the extreme Arizona climate.
Schedule Your AC Tune-Up Today
Regular HVAC maintenance helps your system perform efficiently during the hottest months of the year.
Contact Empire Plumbing & Air Conditioning today to schedule professional service and keep your home cool all summer.