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!”
must be a typo, most HVAC can’t maintain that and will be running continuously. 72-78 is the range. Southern states may be higher just for the economics of it
“The contents of this website do not constitute advice and are provided for informational purposes only.” // Makes zero sense as a disclaimer. You wouldn’t post the survey if you didn’t at least partially agree with it. So, you’re either not too bright or you’re fishing for lots of hits from a flabbergasted public. I’m thinking it’s a bit of both. 75 is the proper setting in summer unless you have money to burn, enjoy listening to the AC all day long, or are doing your part to contribute to brown-outs.
I won’t be back.
This is perfect for your electric bill to crush you.
After working all day in 95 degree heat, 75 degrees indoors fills pretty good.
Sorry
I live in SC
Everyone I know sets the A/C in mid 70s.
Besides it would be impossible to cool the house that much with an ambient temperature in the 90s.
In case you’re new, “StudyFinds” publishes anything that calls itself a study. It doesn’t mean it’s actual correct data and conclusions based on science by scientists. This website publishes click-bait trash barely disguised as science. Just read a few articles, and you’ll see it.
HVAC professional here people don’t realize that AC systems are designed with a 10°difference to outside temp.85°outside means 75° inside. At 64° or world is going to hell in a hand basket. That’s what causes rolling blackouts especially with these new electric cars sucking on the power grid. Still burning fuel to make the electric for your car. Oh and don’t forget to put a big generator in your trunk Incase you need to burn gas to fill your ELECTRIC car. That’s my rant I’m done now.
So bogus, AC’s can’t cool more than 20° lower than outdoor temp.
Right!
Unfortunately we have a population that is predominantly obese and uninterested in physical activity.
AC Company Owner Here:
Unit are NOT sized to do 64 ° in houses! LOL….
WTF, 64 degrees! Are you nuts? Did you actually mean 74 degrees? I have never heard anyone recommend setting an AC unit that low.
Irresponsible and inaccurate article promoting alternative reality designed to brainwash ignorant people.
In CA due to the shortage of electricity during the summer, A/C is required to be set at 78 and above. Read the orders of the Governor, 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/
Sixty four degrees? I sincerely doubt it. I live in Florida, and setting the A/C to 77 or 78 degrees barely works. Even at that, the A/C runs full blast.
If I set my A/C to 64 degrees, I would have to also set up a GOFUNDME page for my air conditioner!
In other news, poll respondents agreed that 90 degrees is the best thermostat setting when the weather gets chilly, with more than half reporting that they regularly light living room furniture on fire to keep the house toasty.
My roommates used to set the AC at 61 degrees. Electric bill was $400 that month and I froze my ass off. Most people prefer temps in range of 68-72. Personally I think 70 is the sweet spot year round, but a lot of systems and houses vary.
Nobody I know sets the thermostat at 64. No air conditioner will pull a hot house down to 64 degrees and maintain it on a 95 degree day. 75 degrees year round is perfect.
Why so cold? Temperature will never be such as you turn your window AC. The most clearance is 20F for in and out temperatures in regular conditions. So people prefer the coldest mode just to get as lowest as possible temperature in the room.
A tropical island recommendation is indoor temperature is 78 degrees to adjust for indoor and outdoor temperatures. During cooler months heating systems can be set to 72 degrees or lower. Please adjust your indoor humidity accordingly and change your filters.
My family is usually happy with the AC cooling to 74, but for me, even 73 F is where I start sweating. 75 F it becomes hard to think, and at 78 or 80, my thinking grinds to a halt. I’ve always been sensitive to heat, even when I was a skinny kid.
We’re considering putting in a mini split to cool just my room without having to run the main AC, but even with that, the coolest I’ll set my room to is 70. Anything lower than that is just senseless and expensive! 64, wtf?