Department of Energy’s Cooling Guidance Page Removed Amid Heat Wave Concerns

The U.S. Department of Energy recently removed a webpage suggesting indoor temperatures of 75-78 degrees Fahrenheit during summer days. This follows New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s appeal for similar thermostat settings to reduce pressure on the city’s power grid.

Archived versions of the “Home Cooling Systems” page recommended beginning with indoor temperatures of 75-78°F, forming part of broader energy-saving tips. These versions indicate the guidance was accessible until late June and early July. Presently, the page results in a “Page not found” message.

Newsweek has reached out to the Department of Energy for clarification on whether the removal was intentional, redirected, or part of a review.

Content of the Missing DOE Page

The guidance was part of the Energy Saver consumer advice, aimed at minimizing energy use while maintaining household comfort in hot weather. Archived content urged homeowners to set thermostats “as high as comfortable” in the summer, with a temperature increase when the house is unoccupied.

The Department of Energy and ENERGY STAR recommend finding a comfortable indoor temperature during the day and increasing it by 7°F when no one is at home. Start with an indoor temperature between 75-78°F during the day.

This recommendation accompanied tips on weatherization, window coverings, air conditioner upkeep, and programmable thermostats.

Timing and Public Reaction

The page’s removal gained attention as it occurred after Mamdani advised New Yorkers to set air conditioners to 78 degrees, coinciding with the National Weather Service’s warning of a severe heat wave affecting much of the country.

Mamdani stated, “New York: it’s hot out there, and the power grid is working overtime to keep us cool. Set your AC to 78 degrees, turn off lights/electronics you’re not using, and unplug what you can.” He urged the city to maintain the 78-degree rule in municipal buildings, dim lights during peak demand, and asked private partners to follow suit.

This recommendation sparked criticism. Conservative lawmakers criticized Mamdani’s appeal as “socialism” or “communism.” Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul tweeted, “Proof that communism is (unfortunately) alive and well.” Florida Sen. Rick Scott added, “This is Communism at work,” and Sen. Lindsey Graham commented, “Socialist Democrats are coming for your AC.” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis questioned, “Is this what was meant by the warmth of collectivism?” Sen. Ted Cruz remarked, “In a first-world country, you could turn on the A/C,” despite similar calls in Texas in previous years.

Heat Wave Intensity Across the United States

The thermostat debate coincides with a dangerous heat wave enveloping the central and eastern U.S. before the July 4 holiday weekend. The National Weather Service has issued Extreme Heat Warnings throughout 26 states and Washington, D.C., forecasting heat indices up to 115 degrees in some areas.

Major cities like New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington have faced record high temperatures. Reports of power outages, transit disruptions, and emergency heat measures have emerged across the region.

There is no current evidence linking the DOE webpage removal directly to Mamdani’s comments. The agency has not clarified the situation. Archived guidance indicates previous federal recommendations were aligned with those of New York’s mayor.

The critical questions remaining are whether the removal was deliberate, whether the DOE continues to support the 75-78°F recommendation, and if new cooling advice will eventually replace the missing content.