Experts suggest raising thermostat temperatures 3-5 degrees to save on energy costs.

Smart thermostats can save users up to $145 per year and offer convenient control.

Evergy offers rebates and discounts on smart thermostats and other energy-efficient programs.

Additional energy-saving tips include changing HVAC filters, closing blinds, sealing gaps, using ceiling fans strategically, and cooking with smaller appliances.

As the summer heat rises, most of us reach for the thermostat to cool things down inside.

But with energy bills spinning dollar signs in the back of our minds, staying comfortable can become a bit of a balancing act.

That’s when the question starts popping up at family dinners and office break rooms: “What do you set your thermostat to in the summer?”

Everyone has their own answer and their own tricks for staying cool and comfortable — without damaging your finances.

Here’s what experts suggest for your summer AC controls. We’d like to hear from you as well on what your setting preference may be.

What temperature do experts say to set your AC on?

Kaley Bohlen, senior communications manager at Evergy, said while Evergy doesn’t have a specific recommendation for thermostat temperature, raising it by 3-5 degrees can have a positive impact on your energy usage. Evergy is a Midwest electric utility company, serving Kansas and Missouri.

“It’s important to be comfortable in your own home so choose a setting that works for your household,” said Bohlen. “Smart thermostats can be adjusted anywhere you have access to the internet making them very convenient. They can also help you save up to $145 per year.”

Kansas and Missouri customers can receive a free or heavily discounted smart thermostat available through Evergy’s marketplace by enrolling in their Thermostat Program. Other energy efficiency programs and customer rebatesare also available to Kansas customers.

Evergy Inc. tips to stay cool and save money

Not only are there small things customers can do to have a big impact on saving energy, Bohlen shared tips on ways residents can save coins in the summer months. Those tips include the following:

Change your HVAC filters : Changing HVAC filters regularly will keep air flowing properly and ensure your furnace and air conditioner work at peak efficiency.

: Changing HVAC filters regularly will keep air flowing properly and ensure your furnace and air conditioner work at peak efficiency. Close blinds, shades or curtains : Block sunlight during the hottest part of the day, especially for south or west facing windows.

: Block sunlight during the hottest part of the day, especially for south or west facing windows. Seal gaps in your windows or exterior doors : Caulk around frames to seal gaps. Add weatherstripping inside door frames. Attach a door seal to the bottom of the door.

: Caulk around frames to seal gaps. Add weatherstripping inside door frames. Attach a door seal to the bottom of the door. Turn ceiling fans counterclockwise : Push cool air down with ceiling fans. Just remember to turn them off when you leave the room as fans cool people, not rooms.

: Push cool air down with ceiling fans. Just remember to turn them off when you leave the room as fans cool people, not rooms. Cook with small appliances: Ovens release heat that make it more difficult to keep your home cool. When it’s hot, try cooking with appliances that use less energy, such as a microwave or air fryer.

What do you set your AC to in the summer time?

Now, we want to hear from you and find out the most popular setting among Topeka households. What’s your go-to summer setting? Cast your vote in the poll below.