What Should Your Thermostat Be Set to This Louisiana Summer?

Though the first day of summer isn't until Sunday, June 21, I'd be willing to bet that the argument has already begun for scores of Louisiana families.

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A study a few years back indicates that as many as 75% of all couples just can't reach a happy spot when it comes to the thermostat settings in their home.

While I acknowledge this is certainly a "first world problem", it's still a problem.  Especially this time of year when temperatures soar into the mid-90's and that's on the cool days.

At my house, I'd feel comfortable setting the air conditioner on 71 or 72. However, at that temperature, I would have to deal with my wife and her molten glob of hormones. She's not comfortable until everyone in the house is wearing flannel and wrapped in a blanket. She'd much prefer a setting anywhere in the neighborhood of 65.

Could You Really Live With The Government's Thermostat Recommendations?

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The United States Department of Energy and Environment actually recommends the thermostat to be set at 78 in the summer months and 68 in the winter. But who can live with that?

Even SWEPCO's recommendations essentially align with that: "For comfort and energy savings, ENERGY STAR® recommends 70°F in winter (62°F when sleeping or not home) and 78°F in summer (85°F when not home). Everyone has their own comfort level. The point is to compromise and find the best settings for your family."

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I understand, we had thousands of years of human existence before the a/c ever came along and we managed just fine, but since we have it now, why not use it to our full advantage?

We do have to be conscious of the "cost of cooling" when considering the thermostat setting.  The government states that you'll save up to 3% for each degree the thermostat is raised in the summer and lowered in the winter, but who's worried about finances when you're floating in a pool of your own sweat?

At What Temp Do Average Shreveport/Bossier Homeowners Set Thermostat?

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After probing through a number of online discussions and social media, it appears that most homes south of the Mason-Dixon line will have the thermostat set somewhere between 65 and 80 in the summer months, and a lot of that is contingent upon the age of the homeowner(s).

Older people tend to want things a little warmer and will live comfortably with that thermostat setting from 78 to 80.  However, younger couples will want things much cooler and therein lies the rub.  Just how cool? Is it 65 or 75?

I believe the ultimate deciding factor is cost.  Compromise in this situation will leave everyone somewhat uncomfortable, so in my opinion, if the family can afford the lowest desired setting, then that's where it should be.  If that's too expensive, it should be raised until it's reasonably affordable.

As my wife so eloquently argues the point, "You can put more clothes on, but there comes a point that I just can't take any more off."   She wins again.