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Optimal Thermostat Settings for Summer and Winter: Expert Recommendations

While 78 and 68 degrees are widely recommended thermostat settings for summer and winter, respectively, these temperatures might not be right for you. The optimal temperature may be higher or lower based on personal preferences and your home, area, unit, and outdoor climate. However, even small changes to temperature settings can significantly affect how much energy your HVAC system uses and impact your utility bills.

To help you maximize energy efficiency and save money without sacrificing comfort, we’ll cover these topics:

  • Thermostat settings and why they’re important
  • Winter thermostat settings
  • Summer thermostat settings
  • Best thermostat settings for while you’re away
  • Thermostat settings for energy savings
  • Thermostat settings and home comfort

Keep reading for valuable tips to help you achieve comfortable temperatures in your home year-round.


Want to Improve Your Heating and Cooling Costs?

Improve your heating and cooling costs by adjusting your home thermostat for the best energy efficiency. Bonney’s HVAC professionals can assist with a new thermostat installation if you need an upgrade and offer hassle-free air conditioning services, with repairs seven days a week. Contact us at (800) 444-0551 today for a more comfortable and happier tomorrow.


Thermostat Settings and Why They’re Important

The optimal thermostat setting for your HVAC system varies as outdoor temperatures fluctuate throughout the year. The Department of Energy recommends setting it at 78 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in the winter for energy efficiency.

However, adjusting temperatures slightly higher in the summer and lower in the winter reduces your system’s workload. Reduced workload saves energy, translating into lower utility bills. It also reduces the strain on your system, potentially prolonging its life while keeping your home comfortable.

What Should the Thermostat Be Set At in Winter

In the winter, set your thermostat to 68 degrees to improve energy efficiency while maintaining comfort. To increase comfort, wear warm socks and add layers of clothing to stay warm without adjusting the thermostat.

You can ensure energy efficiency by adhering to the suggested thermostat settings for the winter with the aid of a programmable or smart thermostat.

What Should the Thermostat Be Set To in Summer

Balance comfort with energy savings by setting your thermostat to 78 degrees in the summer. According to the Department of Energy, a smaller difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures lowers your overall energy bill. To increase your personal comfort, use ceiling fans to circulate cool air in the summer, reducing the need to lower the temperature. A programmable or smart thermostat can help you stick to the recommended thermostat settings for the season.

Best Thermostat Settings for While You’re Away

According to the Department of Energy, setting your thermostat’s temperature 7 to 10 degrees higher in the summer or lower in the winter for 8 hours daily could save you as much as 10% on your annual energy bill. You can make this adjustment while you’re away from home. However, the season, the size of your home, and whether you have pets impact your ideal home temperature when you’re gone.

To make routine adjustments easy to remember, consider getting a programmable thermostat you can set to make adjustments for you automatically. Smart thermostats offer even more convenience, allowing you to control your home’s temperature from anywhere using a smartphone app. It’s a simple way to maintain a comfortable home environment without overburdening your system.

Thermostat Settings for Energy Savings

Remaining comfortable while balancing energy savings can be challenging, but even a few degrees can make a significant difference. Energy Star recommends setting your thermostat’s temperature down at least 8 degrees in the winter and up at least 4 degrees in the summer while you’re sleeping to help save energy.

Follow these energy-saving practices to reduce your heating and cooling bill:

  • Lower your thermostat to 60 degrees while sleeping in the winter.
  • Raise your thermostat to 85 degrees when you’re away in the summer.
  • Use ceiling fans to distribute cool or warm air more efficiently.
  • Keep your HVAC system operating at peak performance with preventative maintenance.

Thermostat Settings and Home Comfort

Ideal temperatures may vary based on personal preferences. However, you can increase your home’s comfort in various ways, such as addressing drafts and poorly insulated areas that impact comfort.

A zoning system can enhance comfort by dividing your home into different temperature zones. Each zone has its own thermostat, allowing personalized temperature control in specific areas. This means you can keep your bedroom cooler while the living room stays warmer, optimizing comfort and energy efficiency throughout the house.


Choose Bonney for All Your Heating and Cooling Needs

Evaluate your current thermostat settings and consider contacting Bonney to upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat to help you maintain optimal temperatures. We offer unparalleled quality craftsmanship and excellent customer service for all our heating and air conditioning services. Call us today at (800) 444-0551 to schedule services.