06-07-2025
What's the 'caveman method'? The strategy may keep your home cool.
As temperatures continue to ramp up across the country, some experts are advising a "caveman method" to stay cool and save on electricity bills.
No, this "caveman method" is not the viral "no skincare" routine that popped up this spring. The method to keep homes cool, which stemmed from tech outlet "Tom's Guide," advises people to make their homes cave-like during the summer by keeping out sunlight that may warm up rooms. This keeps living spaces cooler and saves money, CEO of Green Doors Joseph Holman told the outlet, as air conditioning units don't have to work as hard to keep spaces chilled.
Here's what to know about the "caveman method" and other ways to keep homes cool without breaking the bank this summer.
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What is the 'caveman method'?
As the name implies, the "caveman method" is the idea that folks should keep their homes dark and cool − like a cave − during the summer to beat the heat and conserve energy.
"A cave is cool in heatwaves because it is dark and doesn't have direct sunlight or a direct entrance for the heat. You want to probably mimic that," Holman told "Tom's Guide."
While cave temperatures vary depending on their geographical location, depth, airflow and humidity, generally caves hover between 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the online educational resource Wonderopolis.
Ways to minimize the amount of sun and warmth that enters the space include:
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What should you set your thermostat to in the summer?
The magic number is 78 degrees Fahrenheit, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Energy Star program recommends. This is what you should set your thermostat to when you first wake up, with up to seven degrees of leeway during the day. Energy companies in Missouri, Maryland and Florida also recommend this guidance.
Keep the house warmer when you're sleeping, away
When going to bed for the night, consider turning the thermostat up to four degrees, the EPA advises.
Going away for a few days? The Department of Energy recommends turning the thermostat a bit higher than what you'd usually keep it at. On average, a difference of seven to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for about eight hours a day can save as much as 10% a year on cooling and heating bills.
How to save money on air conditioning bills
Here are some additional tips for keeping cool and saving money this summer:
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@
