Why 78 degrees isn't the right thermostat setting for everyone during a heat wave

MedicalXpress | Jul 22, 2026

Across the U.S., it's a hot summer, and electricity prices are high. Various public officials and corporate websites suggest people set their thermostats to 78°F (25.6°C), or even 81°F (27.2°C), as a way to stay relatively cool without breaking the bank. But as someone who studies energy costs, I know from both personal and professional experience that it's not that simple.