Best Thermostat Temperatures & Settings for Summer & Winter

The Ultimate Guide to Thermostat Settings: Saving Money and Staying Comfortable All Year

Finding the perfect thermostat setting is a balancing act between comfort, cost, and energy efficiency. Whether you're trying to beat the summer heat or stay cozy during a winter freeze, a few strategic adjustments can make a world of difference to your utility bills and your well-being.

This guide provides recommended temperatures for different seasons and situations, along with expert tips to optimize your HVAC system.

The Golden Rule: Embrace the Setback

The most important concept in efficient temperature control is the setback. This means adjusting your thermostat to a less extreme temperature when you are asleep or away from home.

• In Summer: Set the temperature higher when you're away.

• In Winter: Set the temperature lower when you're away.

A common misconception is that it takes more energy to reheat or re-cool a space than to maintain a constant temperature. This is not true. Your HVAC system will work much harder to constantly combat high heat or cold than it will to bring your home back to a comfortable temperature for a few hours.

Winter Thermostat Settings: Staying Warm & Saving Money

Cold weather means your heating system (furnace, heat pump) is working hard. Strategic settings can reduce its workload.

Recommended Temperatures:

• When You're Awake and Home: Set your thermostat to 68°F (20°C). This is the recommended baseline for a good balance of comfort and efficiency. You can adjust a degree or two based on your preference, but every degree lower can save you up to 1-3% on your heating bill.

• When You're Asleep: Lower the temperature by 10-12°F to around 58-60°F (14-15°C). You'll sleep better in a cooler environment under a warm blanket, and your heating system gets a long break.

• When You're Away: Use the same setback as for sleeping—lower to 58-60°F (14-15°C). There's no need to heat an empty house.

 Winter Pro-Tips:

• Use Sunlight: Open curtains on south-facing windows during the day to let the sun's warmth naturally heat your home. Close them at night to add a layer of insulation against the cold.

• Reverse Ceiling Fans: Switch your ceiling fan to run clockwise at a low speed. This pushes the warm air that rises to the ceiling back down into the living space.

• Seal Leaks: Check for drafts around windows and doors and use weatherstripping or caulk to seal them. This prevents cold air from sneaking in.

Summer Thermostat Settings: Keeping Cool & Efficiently

The goal in summer is to reduce the runtime of your energy-intensive air conditioner.

Recommended Temperatures:

• When You're Awake and Home: Set your thermostat to 78°F (26°C). This might feel warm at first, but when combined with fans, it's perfectly comfortable for most people. Every degree you raise the thermostat above 72°F can save you up to 3% on your cooling costs.

• When You're Asleep: You can safely raise the temperature a few degrees, as your body temperature drops during sleep. However, if humidity is high, you may need to keep it lower to stay comfortable. A good range is 78-80°F (26-27°C).

• When You're Away: Raise the temperature significantly—to 85°F (29°C) or higher. This ensures your AC isn't fighting to cool an empty home. Just don't turn it completely off, as it will have to work extremely hard to cool down a hot, stuffy house upon your return.

 Summer Pro-Tips:

• Use Fans Liberally: Ceiling fans and oscillating fans create a wind chill effect, making your skin feel 4-6°F cooler. This allows you to set the thermostat higher without sacrificing comfort. Remember: Fans cool people, not rooms. Turn them off when you leave the room.

• Manage Heat Gain: Close blinds and curtains during the day, especially on east and west-facing windows, to block the sun's radiant heat.

• Avoid Heat-Generating Activities: Try to use the oven, stove, and dryer during the cooler evenings or early mornings.

The Power of a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

Manually changing your thermostat multiple times a day is a hassle. This is where technology comes in.

• Programmable Thermostats: These allow you to set a schedule (e.g., lower at 9 AM when you leave for work, higher at 5 PM before you return, lower again at 11 PM for sleep). They automate the setbacks for you.

• Smart Thermostats (e.g., Nest, Ecobee): These are the ultimate upgrade. They learn your schedule, can be controlled remotely from your phone, and use sensors to detect when you are home or away to automatically adjust. Many provide detailed energy reports and can even factor in local weather forecasts to optimize efficiency.

Investing in a smart thermostat is one of the easiest and most effective ways to achieve the savings outlined in this guide.

Adjusting for Health, Pets, and Special Circumstances

• Infants and Elderly: The recommended ranges are generally safe, but use your best judgment. The EPA suggests a minimum of 68°F for infants in winter for comfort. The elderly may be more sensitive to extreme temperatures.

• Pets: Most cats and dogs are comfortable in the same temperature ranges as humans. The same setback rules apply when you're away. Avoid extreme temperatures (below 60°F or above 80°F for long periods) for most common pets.

• Humidity Matters: Sometimes, the issue isn't the temperature but the humidity. A setting of 78°F can feel stifling if it's humid. Using a dehumidifier in conjunction with your AC can allow you to set the temperature higher while feeling just as comfortable.

Summary Cheat Sheet

Final Word: Start with these recommendations and adjust a degree or two to find what feels best for your household. The most impactful action you can take is to use setbacks consistently. Your wallet and the planet will thank you.