NEW YORK — Half of Americans wait until summer to turn on the air conditioning, according to a survey of 2,000 Americans. The poll looked at the downsides of summer and found that on average, people think five hours a day outside in the summer is just enough, but 38 percent would opt for even less.
With the worst aspects of the season ranging from feeling sweaty (35%), to bugs (32%), and getting sunburnt (31%), 53 percent of all respondents agree that summer is best spent indoors.
Respondents also named some of their worst summer experiences, which included “feeling faint from the heat,” “getting a second-degree sunburn at the pool,” and “getting dressed up and sweating.”
The average person goes into four public places a week during the summer just to escape the heat, with two-thirds of respondents agreeing that one of the best summer feelings is stepping into an air-conditioned setting.
The perfect temperature for air conditioning
According to the survey, the perfect temperature to keep the AC running at during the summer months is a chilly 64 degrees! Another reason that 55 percent of people prefer staying inside during the summer is that planning an outdoor outing is more of a hassle compared to an indoor one.
This may be why 53 percent are actually looking for ways to have fun indoors this summer. Most respondents add they’re on the hunt for fun indoor activities to catch up with friends and family indoors this summer (59%), but wish there were more options (57%).
Conducted by OnePoll in partnership with Dave & Buster’s, the survey found that 45 percent think it’s hard to find an activity that everyone wants to do on hot summer days. However, half of respondents admit they feel bored of all the usual activities they do with their loved ones in the summertime (52%), backed by 58 percent who agree that it’s easy to get bored more easily during the summer than any other season.
Three-quarters of parents surveyed also shared it’s hard to keep their kids entertained since they’re at an age where they quickly get bored of doing one thing (74%).
“A majority of Americans are actually planning on making summer memories indoors and it’s easy to understand why,” says Brandon Coleman, Dave & Buster’s senior vice president and chief marketing officer, in a statement. “Cranking up the AC, and dining, drinking and playing games are top choices for enjoying the most of the summer months.”
Exploring the great INdoors
This summer, people are open to different indoor activities to spend time with their loved ones of all ages like catching up over yummy food (37%), going shopping (31%) or visiting an arcade (25%).
Three in five don’t mind making things interesting with a little friendly competition in their friend group (59%). The same percentage are also more likely to try out new foods or experiences during the summertime and agree that summer is the best time of year for indulgent foods.
“For a long time, the idea of a ‘summer in the great outdoors’ has reigned as king, and frankly, it’s time for a shakeup,” Coleman says. “Spending time indoors is far from boring with endless entertainment possibilities for people of all ages. It’s easy to see how some of the best summer memories are made inside!”
Absolutely incorrect. Its 74. Maybe the people you surveyed were overweight from not going outside and doing activities…. Maybe that made them even hotter outside so it was even harder to go outside….. Maybe they have the house so damn cold they never ACCLIMATE to the weather! MAYBE they’re dressing up in PLASTIC! Wear linen or at least cotton! Can’t wear polyester and complain about being hot and sweaty…… /Facepalm
64°??? I’d freeze faster than a popsicle!!
I keep my thermostat at 75° during the summer.
A/C split systems are designed to have a maximum 14 degree difference than the outdoor ambient
It’s actually 20 degrees with 14 seer units, which is what the government requires
We keep ours at 67 and always have! Maybe the rest of you are dead and just don’t know it!!!
Click bait. No one sets it at that, this is only for clicks. I work in people’s homes, 70-74 average. I don’t see a source for this, unless it’s Dave and Busters, hardly a reliable source. I will be highly doubtful I ever see on “Study Finds” again.
Get out and play! In the Midwest it’s only summer for about three months, after that it’s butt cold for 9 months! Get out and enjoy nature , it will make you happy !!
64 degrees, are you out of you minds ! I set my home at 77 during the day and 76 at night in the summer. Winter time I set it at 70 degrees .
The temperature you keep depends on the person. 64° with low humidity will feel like 61 or 62°. The air conditioner is not designed for 64°. When the return air is that cold, you risk the unit freezing. Then you could cause damage. I hope it’s a typo because if not you are nuts.
I keep my thermostat set at 65 all summer I am fat and old and it is not comfortable any warmer for me and I rarely get dressed unless I’m going somewhere but the heat is just miserable for me and I can’t afford to live where it is cooler
68 during day and 66 at night
It looks like the survey was done somewhere around NY. I wouldn’t believe a word from New Yorkers
All I want to know is how much Chris Melore got paid by D&B. It’s so ridiculous it’s actually pretty funny.
Also….how much is D&B paying the “moderator”?
The best time to use my AC is in December! Out here in Imperial County, California, it can be super warm and we need to cool down.
In the Summer we leave for a three-month vacation to the beaches of Hawaii! We’ve learned!
That’s w
64?….really….64 BRRRRRking degrees?……..might as well live in a meat locker…..I set my A/C to;”Open the windows!!! It’s hot in here!!!”
That’s why the country has rolling black outs because of idiots that write crap like this. What idiots.
I know I sleep better when the bedroom is in the 60s, but in the summer here in central California, that ain’t happening (right now as I type this, it’s 6 pm and 103 outside). My compromise is to set it for 80 and have multiple fans to keep the air moving
I dont know what yall are talking about but I always have mine set to 62 degrees and it barely keeps my room cold. I also have a very nice A.C and my room gets extremely hot in the summer. Its the hottest room in the house so maybe that is the problem.
You either have a poorly sealed house, bad AC, or too high of expectations of how AC should be working. I used to live with guys who set the AC at 60-62 and I was wearing winter coats to stay warm. If you are in a hot area most houses will struggle to reach or maintain 62 degrees so your AC will run constantly and your bill will skyrocket.
You must follow Gov. Newsom’s orders, or else. 78 and higher. https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/08/17/as-west-coast-faces-historic-heat-wave-energy-shortages-governor-newsom-signs-heat-emergency-proclamation-to-free-up-energy-capacity/
72° in the summer and 68° In the winter was always good for us…
64? Absurd!