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Even Your Summer Thermostat Temperature Has Become a Political Debate

The White House appears to have removed the Department of Energy's consumer guidance on indoor temperatures during the hottest days.

Omar Gallaga CNET 07 Jul 2026, 01:30 2 min read 6/10 Washington, D.C.

Even Your Summer Thermostat Temperature Has Become a Political Debate

Key Takeaways

The Department of Energy's Energy Star program historically advised setting thermostats to 78°F in summer for optimal energy savings, a figure based on Department of Energy research on HVAC systems.
Removing the guidance could increase the average U.S. household's summer cooling costs by $50–$100, according to energy efficiency advocates.
The pages disappeared in early 2025, aligning with the Trump administration's broader rollback of more than 100 environmental rules and climate initiatives.
A 2022 survey by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy found that 72% of Americans would keep their thermostat at or above 78°F if they knew it saved money, but only 38% actually did so.
The political divide is stark: 68% of Democrats support federal temperature guidelines, while 59% of Republicans view them as government overreach, per a 2024 Pew Research poll.

The White House's quiet removal of a simple thermostat suggestion has ignited a fiery debate over energy conservation and government overreach. The Department of Energy's consumer guidance recommending indoor temperatures be set to 78°F during summer has been taken offline, leaving Americans wondering who controls their thermostat. For years, the DOE provided energy-saving tips as part of its Energy Star program, including the recommendation to set thermostats to 78°F when home and 85°F when away. These guidelines helped consumers save up to 10% on cooling costs. The pages disappeared without announcement, sparking accusations that the current administration is bowing to fossil fuel interests. Critics point to the removal as part of a broader rollback of climate-focused policies. Key details: the exact temperature recommendation of 78°F was based on balancing comfort and energy savings; the Energy Star program estimates that each degree above 72°F can cut cooling costs by 3–5%. The move follows a pattern of dismantling Obama-era climate rules. Analysis: experts say this signals a shift away from voluntary conservation measures and toward deregulation. The outcome may mean higher utility bills for consumers and increased carbon emissions. Outlook: the thermostat debate is likely to intensify as summer heatwaves become more frequent, with state-level efforts to promote energy efficiency contrasting with federal inaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Department of Energy's Energy Star program recommended setting your thermostat to 78°F when you are at home and need cooling, and 85°F when you are away, to maximize energy savings.

The removal is attributed to the Trump administration's broader effort to roll back climate-focused regulations and voluntary guidelines, viewing them as government overreach. No official reason was provided.

According to the Department of Energy, setting your thermostat to 78°F instead of 72°F can save up to 10% on cooling costs. Each degree above 72°F reduces energy use by about 3 to 5%.

Yes, polls show a clear partisan split. Most Democrats support federal temperature guidelines for energy savings, while a majority of Republicans view them as government interference.

Higher thermostat settings reduce air conditioner use, which lowers electricity demand and carbon emissions. Ignoring these recommendations could increase household energy consumption and contribute to climate change.

After the DOE pages were removed, consumers can still find energy-saving tips from state energy offices, nonprofit organizations like the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, and utility company programs.

Original source

www.cnet.com

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