78 degrees is the recommended summer thermostat setting from utilities including Rochester Gas and Electric and National Grid, with officials saying each degree above 75 can trim cooling energy use by 3%.
7 to 10 degrees warmer for about eight hours a day when no one is home can save as much as 10% a year on cooling and heating bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Ceiling fans, programmable thermostats and shaded windows can deepen those savings: raising the thermostat 2 degrees with a fan can cut air-conditioning costs up to 14%, while cellular shades can reduce solar heat up to 60%.
Regular maintenance and sealing leaks around windows, doors, vents and outlets also help keep systems efficient as above-normal summer temperatures are forecast for New York.