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What Temperature Should the Home's Thermostat Be Set At? | C. Woods Company

Posted on November 22, 2021 by

Finding Your Home’s Ideal Temperature for Every Season

These days, homeowners everywhere are looking for ways to make their homes more environmentally friendly - and save some money on utility costs while they’re at it. One of the most effective yet simple ways to do this is to keep the home’s thermostat set to a temperature that will reduce the HVAC system’s workload.

Of course, finding an indoor temperature that’s both energy-efficient and comfortable can seem like a bit of a balancing act, especially as seasons change and weather fluctuates - but it’s easier than it seems. So read on to discover the ideal energy-saving temperature for any season, as well as a few tips for further improving efficiency and indoor comfort.

The Best Thermostat Setting for Fall and Winterfall

In the colder months, there’s nothing like coming home to a nice, warm house. But keeping the home too toasty can be equivalent to chucking money out the window. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting the thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal efficiency during chilly seasons.

That number may seem a little brisk for some, but it will feel quite warm compared to frigid outdoor temperatures. Putting on a sweater or some cozy PJs is a great way to stay comfy without driving up heating costs. It’s also recommended that the temperature be lowered by a few degrees at bedtime to lower usage even more.

The Best Thermostat Setting for Spring and Summer

Naturally, in the warmer months, homeowners will want to dial the thermostat in the opposite direction. The Dept. of Energy recommends keeping the home’s thermostat at around 78 degrees Fahrenheit during waking hours. The key principle in any season is to minimize the difference between outdoor and indoor temperatures. This reduces the speed at which heat enters the home (and vice versa). 

Again, that temperature may seem a tad toasty to some people. Suppose the place begins to feel a little stuffy or uncomfortable. In that case, homeowners can try turning on a few ceiling fans - counterclockwise to push air downward - to get a pleasant breeze going (most newer ceiling fans use very little energy). The trick is to run the AC just enough to manage humidity levels and keep the house relatively cool.

The Best Thermostat Setting for an Empty Househome

When there’s no one home, homeowners would do well to turn their thermostats even lower in the winter (<68°) and higher in the summer (>78°). If the temperatures aren’t too extreme and there’s nothing in the house that will be harmed by too much heat or cold (such as pets or plants), it may even be a good idea to turn the system off altogether. 

However, this may put the home’s water pipes at risk of freezing in the winter, so if the homeowners will be gone for more than a few hours on a below-freezing day, it’s best to keep the heating system on with the thermostat set no lower than 55° F.

Installing a programmable thermostat or smart thermostat can help homeowners manage these adjustments effortlessly - most smart thermostats are designed specifically to help save energy. Homeowners can consult with their preferred local HVAC service company about an upgrade or other thermostat services to help save on heating and cooling costs!

About C. Woods Company

C. Woods Company has been handling Tyler, TX's plumbing and HVAC needs for over 60 years. Their courteous, punctual, and attentive technicians are licensed and background-checked for the safety and comfort of every customer. They are available 24/7, 365 days a year for emergencies! Call now for HVAC services!

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