🔑 Key Takeaways – Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer & Winter
- For most homes, 78°F in summer while you’re home offers a good balance of comfort and savings.
- Raising the thermostat to around 82–85°F when you’re away can significantly reduce cooling costs.
- In winter, 68°F while you’re home is an efficient temperature for comfort and energy savings.
- Lowering the setting to around 60–65°F when you’re away or sleeping can cut heating bills further.
- Programmable and smart thermostats make it easy to automate these settings and avoid wasting energy.
Introduction: Comfort Without the High Energy Bill
Finding the perfect thermostat setting is a balancing act between comfort and energy efficiency. Whether you’re battling summer heat or winter chill, small adjustments can significantly reduce energy costs while keeping your home feeling just right.
Today, we’ll break down the best thermostat settings for summer and winter, explain how to save money without sacrificing comfort, and share expert tips that work for every home.
Best Thermostat Settings for Summer
Keeping cool doesn’t have to mean skyrocketing utility bills. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the ideal thermostat setting for summer is:
➤ 78°F (25.5°C) when you’re home
This temperature provides a comfortable balance of cooling and energy savings.
➤ 82–85°F (28–29.5°C) when you’re away
Raising the temperature while you’re gone reduces energy consumption dramatically.
Additional Summer Efficiency Tips
- Use a programmable or smart thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature when you leave.
- Keep blinds and curtains closed during peak sunlight hours.
- Use ceiling fans — they make a room feel 4°F cooler.
- Schedule annual AC maintenance to keep your system running efficiently.
Best Thermostat Settings for Winter
When temperatures drop, heating costs rise quickly. The DOE recommends:
➤ 68°F (20°C) when you’re home
Most families find this warm enough for comfort while keeping heating costs down.
➤ 60–65°F (15.5–18°C) when you’re away or sleeping
Lowering the thermostat at night or when you’re out can lead to significant savings.
Winter Energy-Saving Tips
- Use warm bedding and nighttime settings on your thermostat to save energy while you sleep.
- Seal windows and doors to prevent heat loss.
- Reverse ceiling fans to push warm air downward.
- Schedule furnace or boiler maintenance before the cold weather hits.
Why These Temperatures Work
These recommended settings are based on how your HVAC system cycles and how humans perceive temperature. The closer your indoor temperature is to the outdoor temperature, the less energy your system uses.
By adjusting just a few degrees:
- You can save up to 10% annually on heating and cooling.
- Your HVAC system runs more smoothly and lasts longer.
- You reduce your carbon footprint while staying comfortable.
Smart Thermostats: The Modern Efficiency Hero
Smart thermostats learn your schedule, monitor HVAC performance, and adjust temperatures automatically. They can help homeowners save hundreds of dollars per year.
Benefits include:
- Remote control through phone apps
- Energy-usage reports
- Learning algorithms
- Room-by-room comfort control (depending on model)
If you want maximum comfort with minimal energy usage, upgrading to a smart thermostat is one of the best investments you can make.
When to Call a Professional
If your home struggles to stay warm in winter or cool in summer—even with ideal thermostat settings—you may have a larger HVAC issue. A professional can check:
- Refrigerant levels
- Airflow problems
- Duct leaks
- Thermostat compatibility
- Furnace or AC performance
Conclusion: Small Changes, Big Savings
Setting the right thermostat temperature is one of the simplest ways to stay cozy and cut energy costs all year long.
Remember:
🌞 78°F in summer while home
❄️ 68°F in winter while home
Adjust by a few degrees when away or sleeping to maximize savings.
Combine these settings with smart thermostats, good insulation, and routine HVAC maintenance, and you’ll enjoy comfort and savings season-round.
At Four Elements Service, we help homeowners in Buffalo Grove, IL and the surrounding Chicagoland suburbs stay comfortable year-round while keeping energy bills under control.
Live in Buffalo Grove or nearby and still not feeling comfortable at these settings? Your system might need a tune-up or thermostat upgrade. Four Elements Service can check your furnace, AC, and thermostat to make sure everything is working together efficiently.
Call us at 847-350-8141 or visit fourelementservice.com to schedule heating or cooling service.
FAQ: Thermostat Settings for Comfort & Savings
What is the best thermostat setting in summer?
For most homes, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends around 78°F when you’re home in summer, and a few degrees higher when you’re away to reduce cooling costs.
What is the best thermostat setting in winter?
A good winter setting is around 68°F while you’re home, and 60–65°F while you’re away or sleeping for extra savings.
Do smart thermostats really save money?
Yes. Smart thermostats automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule and preferences. Many homeowners can save up to 10% or more per year on heating and cooling when they use recommended settings.
When should I call an HVAC professional?
If your home is still too hot or too cold at these recommended thermostat settings, there may be an issue with your HVAC system, ductwork, or thermostat. A professional can inspect your equipment, check airflow, and make sure everything is sized and operating correctly.
