Your Comfort Sweet Spot for Summer in the Lower Mainland
Welcome to that classic BC summer paradox: it’s 30°C by 3 PM, and you’re melting into your sofa… but by 9 PM, you’re reaching for a hoodie. 🥵➡️🧊
Sound familiar?
Homeowners across the **Lower Mainland—from Surrey to Burnaby to Langley—**are feeling the swing between blazing hot days and refreshingly cool nights. While we love the break from heat in the evenings, it can make indoor temperature control a bit of a balancing act.
But here’s the good news: with the right thermostat settings and HVAC strategy, you can stay comfortable and keep your energy bills under control.
At Veteran Heating & Cooling, we’re here to help you master the thermostat—whether you’re using a programmable unit, smart thermostat, or old-school dial.
Why Getting Thermostat Settings Right Matters
Think of your thermostat as the conductor of your home comfort orchestra. If it’s not tuned properly for the weather swings, you could end up:
Wasting energy during the day by overcooling your space
Waking up freezing at night when the outdoor temp drops
Paying higher bills for less comfort
Overworking your heat pump or AC system
And in BC, where we tend to get short, dry heat waves and cooler evening breezes, having a plan makes a huge difference.
The Ideal Thermostat Settings for June in BC
☀️ During the Day: 24–25°C (75–77°F)
This might sound a bit warmer than you’re used to—but it’s the perfect balance between comfort and energy efficiency, especially if you’re not at home all day.
If your AC or heat pump runs constantly trying to hit 21°C (70°F) while it’s 30°C outside, you’ll see a spike on your hydro bill—and not much extra comfort to show for it.
If you’re out during the day:
Set the thermostat to 27°C (80°F) while you’re gone and schedule it to cool down to 24–25°C about 30 minutes before you get home.
🌅 In the Evening: 22–23°C (72–73°F)
Once the sun starts setting and temps dip, you don’t need the system working as hard. Most homes in Coquitlam, New Westminster, or Richmond will naturally cool off a bit by 8 PM.
Open windows if you’re comfortable with natural airflow. If not, adjust your settings to a cozier 22–23°C, especially if you’re relaxing in one space (like the living room or media room).
Pro Tip: Use ceiling fans to help circulate cool air. This lets you keep the thermostat 1–2 degrees higher without losing that chill.
🌙 At Night: 19–21°C (66–70°F)
Most people sleep best in cooler temps. If you’re waking up sweaty or freezing, your overnight setting might be off.
For BC nights—where temps can dip into the low teens—a setting around 20°C is usually perfect.
If you like a cooler bedroom:
Go for 19°C and use a fan to enhance airflow. Don’t forget to shut windows in the early morning to trap the cool air and block rising outdoor temps.
Smart Thermostats Make This Easy
If you don’t already have a smart thermostat—you’re missing out. These brilliant little gadgets do the thinking for you.
They can:
Automatically adjust temps based on time of day
Learn your habits and adjust comfort zones
Be controlled via your phone (perfect for last-minute weekend getaway adjustments)
Lower your energy use by 10–20% on average
We recommend models like ecobee, Nest, or Honeywell Home, and yes—Veteran HVAC installs and configures them for you.
How Heat Pumps Handle BC’s Summer
If you’re using a heat pump for your cooling, you’re in good hands. These systems are designed for our moderate climate and handle the BC summer beautifully—if they’re set and maintained properly.
A few tips:
Use a consistent setting—don’t turn it on and off constantly
Keep your filters clean (especially during wildfire season!)
Schedule a tune-up if you notice weak airflow or humidity issues
Use the “dry” or “dehumidify” mode on humid days to increase comfort without blasting cold air
Bonus Tips for Day-Night Temp Swings
Here’s how to make the most of BC’s cooler nights and hot afternoons:
✔️ Use Curtains and Blinds During the Day
Block out that powerful sun—especially on west-facing windows.
✔️ Ventilate at Night
Open windows around 9 PM to let in cool air (if safe), then shut them by 8 AM to trap the chill.
✔️ Zone Your Comfort
Only cool the rooms you use most. Mini-split systems make this super easy.
✔️ Avoid “Fan Only” at Night
If outside temps are lower than inside, you’re better off ventilating naturally than using the fan setting alone.
Veteran HVAC Has Your Back
Whether you’re battling afternoon heat, planning an upgrade, or just want your system running its best—Veteran Heating & Cooling is your go-to HVAC partner across the Lower Mainland.
We’ve helped families in Maple Ridge, Vancouver, Pitt Meadows, and beyond set up their systems to tackle BC’s weird, wonderful summer climate.
Need help programming your thermostat? Want to upgrade to a smarter system? Time for a heat pump service check?
We’re here, and we’re ready. Contact us now!
