What’s the best thermostat setting to save money in Idaho heat? See tips
Record-breaking heat in the Boise area may have your air conditioner working overtime.
“High energy bills are sometimes unavoidable when air conditioning is crucial for comfort during the hot months,” said Western, a Treasure Valley heating, air conditioning, electrical and plumbing service. “But that doesn’t mean you aren’t without energy-saving options.”
There are multiple ways to keep costs and energy usage down as temperatures rise, experts say.
Options include resetting your thermostat, investing in window coverings and running fans.
Here’s what to do:
Which thermostat setting saves the most money?
One of the first steps you can take to lower summer utility bills is adjusting the temperature setting for your thermostat, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
During warmer weather, the ideal temperature setting is between 76 and 78 degrees, according to Ridgeline, a heating and cooling service company in Idaho Falls.
“Experts recommend setting your thermostat to 78 during summer days for the best thermostat setting for summer,” Ridgeline says on its website. “This balances comfort with savings and keeps your HVAC system in good condition.”
When no one is home or if you’re on vacation, you can opt for a thermostat setting between 82 and 85 degrees, according to Ridgeline.
“For every degree you raise your thermostat in summer, you can save up to 10% on your energy bill,” Ridgline said.
For “better comfort” while sleeping, opt to set your thermostat setting lower, between 74 and 76 degrees, the company said.
“The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be,” the U.S. Department of Energy said on its website.
Should I keep AC running when I leave the house?
When you head out for the day, your thermostat should “ideally” be set at least seven degrees warmer than what is normal for your household, according to Western.
“It’s a simple, no-fuss, energy-efficient approach to your heating and cooling needs,” the local utility company said.
In the summer, you can let the temperature in your house get up to 85 to 90 degrees” when people aren’t present,” said Snowflake Air, a Boise-based furnace and air conditioning service. “You don’t want to let it get so hot that it will affect electronics, sensitive plants, or appliances, but it will save loads of money to not have the air conditioning running much while you are gone.”
According to Snowflake Air, the further off your thermostat settings are from your desired comfort level, the longer it will take your home to return to the right temperature.
What are other ways to save on energy costs?
There are several habits you can adopt for more cost-effective temperature control.
The U.S. Department of Energy encourages people to check their homes for cracks or gaps that need to be repaired. Make sure your thermostat isn’t fighting leaks where warm air could get inside.
Getting covers and shades for windows is another way to keep heat from absorbing into your home, the federal energy agency said.
Even investing in window treatments or tints can immensely impact improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems.
“About 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through windows,” the U.S. Energy Department said. “In cooling seasons, about 76% of sunlight that falls on standard double-pane windows enters to become heat.”
You should also avoid turning on the stove or oven when it’s hot outside.
“Using your oven can add extra heat to your house,” Idaho Power said. “Try cooking more of your meals with a microwave, crockpot, pressure cooker or grilling outdoors.”
Can fans help me keep my home cool?
“Fans can make you feel four degrees cooler and help maintain comfort in occupied rooms,” Idaho Power said.
Just make sure you’ve turned off your fans before you leave your home to help save money.
“Remember that fans cool people, not rooms, by creating a wind chill effect,” the U.S. Department of Energy said.
It’s also a good idea to check that your ventilation system is connected to the outside and not an attic space.
Can HVAC maintenance help with energy bills?
You need to keep your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system well maintained if you want it to last, experts say.
Idaho Power recommends switching out air filters and cleaning debris from HVAC units, especially when they’re kept outside.
How can I get a credit on my electricity bill?
Idaho Power provides an incentive for reducing energy costs during hot days.
“A/C Cool Credit is an easy way to earn a monthly bill credit during the summer while helping keep energy reliable when demand is highest,” the utility company said on its website.
“When energy use peaks or when the system needs support” on select weekday afternoons, “your air conditioner or smart thermostat will briefly adjust to reduce strain on the system,” Idaho Power explained.
There are two ways to enroll in the program.
A professional can install a device giving Idaho Power control of your central air conditioning system, or your smart thermostat can automatically adjust settings during peak hours.
The A/C Cool Credit program is active from July 15 through Sep. 15, typically in the late afternoon or evening, and doesn’t operate on weekends or holidays.
By participating, you can earn a $5 monthly credit on your electricity bill.
Alternately, you can get a $50 credit if you install a smart thermostat and sign up for the AC/Cool Credit program for the first time.
There’s only one incentive per household, and you won’t get an additional monthly stipend for the first year. In the second year, credits for customers with smart thermostat match those for folks with regular air conditioners.
You can enroll in the A/C Cool Credit program online or by calling 1-866-865-COOL.
This story was originally published May 14, 2026 at 1:05 PM.
