Recommended AC Temp for Michiganders? Yeah, Good Luck With That

It's officially summer in Michigan—or as I like to remind people, the time of year when multiple applications of deodorant are completely acceptable (and appreciated). If June is any indication of what the Mitten State has in store for us in 2025, finding the perfect summer thermostat setting will help you and your wallet stop sweating.

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Mid-Michigan temperatures have already soared near 100° heat index levels, which has us sweating and power companies clamoring to meet the demand.

Personally, I have no skin in the game here. I lost control of the thermostat to my wife long ago. She runs hot—and I wear a lot of layers. If I weren't around, I'm convinced she'd set the thermostat somewhere between Houghton in December and a Quality Dairy walk-in cooler.

These aren't bad settings for a September in Michigan, but June through August, while refreshing to walk into from the muggy heat, it also brings Consumers Energy's peak hour rate pricing into your energy bill, and that can get pricey.

Where Most Michiganders Set Their Summer Temp

Chances are, during a Michigan summer, your thermostat is set at 72, which is the most popular setting nationally, according to Consumer Reports. So, what is the ideal setting that will keep you comfortable and financially stable?

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For the answer, I turned to the federally backed Energy Star program, and wouldn't you know it, they have a recommendation. If you're thinking 71, think again. 72? Nope. 75? Closer.

Why 78° Is the Ideal Summer Setting

The magic number, according to the governmental gurus in Washington, D.C., is 78 degrees. While I appreciate the fact that not everyone has air conditioning, I would argue that, other than hot yoga studios and senior living communities, I've never been in a place that is intentionally that warm.

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What to Do When You're Away

Oh, and when you're not home? The feds say crank it up to 85, just be sure to let that leather couch cool off before you plop down on it. Note, you should only do this if you are leaving for an extended time, like a vacation, when everyone, including your pets, is out of the house.

The One Myth You Should Drop

For those with air conditioning, How Stuff Works cited multiple studies showing that on hot days, turning off your AC while at work, only to turn it on when you get home that same day, will, in most cases, use more energy than just leaving it on.

RELATED: Understanding Consumers Energy's Summer Rates In Michigan

Common Energy-Saving Upgrades

If you really want to save some money, close your blinds, turn on a ceiling fan, and get a programmable thermostat. Or, find a reason to linger in a Quality Dairy walk-in cooler. Wear layers.