{"id":6714,"date":"2026-06-11T16:32:42","date_gmt":"2026-06-11T16:32:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sandiegorelocationnews.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/11\/will-setting-my-ac-to-78-actually-save-me-money-what-to-know-in-california-heat\/"},"modified":"2026-06-11T16:32:42","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T16:32:42","slug":"will-setting-my-ac-to-78-actually-save-me-money-what-to-know-in-california-heat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sandiegorelocationnews.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/11\/will-setting-my-ac-to-78-actually-save-me-money-what-to-know-in-california-heat\/","title":{"rendered":"Will setting my AC to 78 actually save me money? What to know in California heat"},"content":{"rendered":"
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As parts of California brace for triple-digit temperatures and forecasts call for a hotter-than-usual summer, many residents are preparing for higher air-conditioning use \u2014 and potentially higher energy bills.<\/p>\n

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A heat wave is sending temperatures soaring into the triple digits across parts of Northern California and the Central Valley, with highs reaching as much as 102 degrees in Sacramento.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThe summer months often bring an unwelcome surprise of high bills for many PG&E customers, particularly in the Central Valley where outside temperatures are well over 100 degrees,\u201d Pacific Gas and Electric Co. said.<\/p>\n

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What temperature should you set your thermostat to in order to save money?<\/p>\n

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Here\u2019s what California energy experts recommend:<\/p>\n

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What\u2019s the best thermostat setting to save energy?<\/h2>\n

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According to PG&E, setting your thermostat to 78 degrees during hot weather can help reduce cooling costs while keeping your home comfortable.<\/p>\n

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\u201cEvery degree above 78 represents approximately 2% savings on cooling costs,\u201d the company said.<\/p>\n

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When temperatures climb above 100 degrees, PG&E said, air conditioners are \u201cworking very hard to achieve\u201d cooler indoor temperatures, which can drive up electricity use.<\/p>\n

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\u201cConsider using a programmable or smart thermostat, which lets you cool (or heat) your home when energy demand is lower and costs are typically reduced,\u201d the utility company wrote in a statement to The Sacramento Bee.<\/p>\n

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Smart thermostats can save the average California customer $50 to $78 a year, according to PG&E.<\/p>\n

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The Sacramento Municipal Utility District also recommends setting thermostats to 78 degrees as the ideal indoor temperature during summer.<\/p>\n

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\u201cYou\u2019ll save around 5% to 10% on cooling costs for every two degrees you raise the temperature,\u201d SMUD said.<\/p>\n

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According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save up to 10% a year on cooling costs by adjusting their thermostat 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for about eight hours a day.<\/p>\n

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What are the best ways to lower summer utility bills?<\/h2>\n

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In addition to adjusting the thermostat, energy experts recommend reducing electricity use during peak-demand hours, when rates are often highest.<\/p>\n

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\u201cElectricity use is highest in the late afternoon and evening,\u201d PG&E said.<\/p>\n

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Both PG&E and SMUD said customers should limit energy use between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. through Sept. 30, when summer rates are in effect.<\/p>\n

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Blocking direct sunlight into your home can also help reduce cooling costs.<\/p>\n

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Closing blinds, shades and curtains during the hottest part of the day can keep indoor temperatures lower and reduce the strain on your air conditioner, according to SMUD.<\/p>\n

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\u201cSunlight passing through windows heats your home and makes your air conditioner work harder,\u201d PG&E said.<\/p>\n

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How can I keep my home cool while saving on costs?<\/h2>\n

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According to the U.S. Department of Energy, other include:<\/p>\n

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