Americans keep indoor temps cooler than guidance as late-summer heat looms

A late-summer heat dome may push highs to the 90s and near 100F in several cities through Labor Day, while Americans generally keep indoor temperatures around 71F (regional differences: the South around 72F, the Northeast around 70F). Bear Mattress cites a 67F ideal sleep temperature. Energy providers often suggest 78F, and the Department of Energy advises comfortable humidity and a small indoor-outdoor temperature gap to save energy, yet a Consumer Reports survey found no central-air user cooling above 76F in summer, highlighting a gap between guidance and behavior.