With the hot summer months in full swing, there’s a good chance you’ve already cranked up your air conditioner with hopes of keeping your home cool.

While there’s nothing wrong with this, it’s important to answer this question: where should you set your thermostat during the summer months?

There is no right or wrong answer, as the choice is ultimately yours. However, you should consider your many options and the impact on you, your home, and your budget.

As a general rule of thumb, set your thermostat as high as possible during the summer. Here’s why: the smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperature the less your cooling bill will be.

For example, get into the habit of setting your thermostat at 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re at home and looking to stay cool. However, bump this up five to ten degrees when you leave home.

Tip: there are other more efficient ways to cool your home, thus saving you money. For example, you can open windows at night and use ceiling fans to circulate air.

Where you set your thermostat during the summer months (and any other time of the year) is a matter of preference.

Once you find a sweet spot in regards to your comfort, stick with it until you see the impact on your cooling bill. If you’re okay with that side of things, you can continue to follow your plan for the time being.