Finding the right balance between comfort and energy savings starts with knowing the recommended thermostat settings for summer and winter. When you adjust your thermostat correctly by season, you can reduce energy use, extend the life of your HVAC system, and stay more comfortable throughout the year.
Whether you have a manual thermostat or a programmable smart system, small changes to your temperature settings can make a noticeable difference in both comfort and cost.
- Proper thermostat settings help reduce heating and cooling bills without sacrificing comfort
- Seasonal temperature adjustments support efficient HVAC performance
- Programmable and smart thermostats make it easier to manage energy use year-round
❗️ Why Thermostat Settings Matter
Your thermostat acts as the control center for your HVAC system. If it’s set too high in the winter or too low in the summer, your system has to work harder to maintain the indoor temperature—leading to higher utility bills and more wear and tear on equipment.
When used correctly, thermostat adjustments can help you save up to 10 percent a year on heating and cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
☀️ Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Keeping cool while conserving energy is all about finding a temperature that feels good without overworking your AC. During summer months, the Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home.
Summer Thermostat Tips
- When home: Set your thermostat to 78°F for a good balance of comfort and efficiency
- When away: Raise the temperature to 85°F or higher to save energy
- At night: You can often increase the temperature a few degrees, especially if you use ceiling fans for extra cooling
- Use programmable settings: Automatically raise the temperature while you’re at work and bring it back down before you return home
Ways to Stay Comfortable Without Lowering the Thermostat
- Use ceiling fans: Moving air helps you feel cooler at higher temperatures
- Close blinds or curtains: Blocking sunlight keeps indoor spaces cooler
- Seal doors and windows: Prevent cool air from escaping and hot air from coming in
❄️ Recommended Thermostat Settings for Winter
In the colder months, the goal is to keep your home warm without skyrocketing your heating bill. The recommended setting during the day is 68°F when you’re home.
Winter Thermostat Tips
- When home: Keep the thermostat set to 68°F
- When asleep or away: Lower the setting to 60–65°F to save energy
- Layer clothing: Use blankets or wear sweaters to stay comfortable at slightly cooler temperatures
- Use a programmable thermostat: Set the heat to turn on shortly before you wake up or get home
Heating Efficiency Tips
- Let the sun in: Open curtains during the day to let natural sunlight warm your home
- Seal air leaks: Prevent drafts and keep heat inside
- Reverse ceiling fans: In winter, run ceiling fans clockwise on low to circulate warm air that rises to the ceiling
🌡️ Smart Thermostats vs. Manual Thermostats
How you manage your thermostat settings often depends on the type of thermostat you have. If you’re still using a manual thermostat, you’re likely missing out on the benefits of automation and remote control.
Manual Thermostats
- Simple to use but require frequent adjustment
- No scheduling features
- Less accurate temperature control
Programmable Thermostats
- Allow you to create heating and cooling schedules based on your lifestyle
- Help save energy without constantly adjusting settings
- Ideal for families with predictable routines
Smart Thermostats
- Wi-Fi connected and can be controlled from your phone
- Learn your habits and adjust automatically over time
- Offer detailed energy reports and integration with smart home systems
Upgrading to a smart thermostat is one of the easiest ways to reduce your heating and cooling costs year-round. Genz-Ryan offers expert installation and guidance to help you choose the right model for your home.
✅ Best Thermostat Settings Based on Your Lifestyle
Not every household follows the same schedule, so it’s helpful to adapt your thermostat settings to your daily routine. Here are some general guidelines.
If You’re Home All Day
- Summer: 76–78°F
- Winter: 68–70°F
- Use ceiling fans and window treatments to maintain comfort without constant thermostat changes
If You Work Outside the Home
- Summer: Set to 85°F while away, lower to 78°F before returning
- Winter: Lower to 60–65°F while away, raise to 68°F in the evening
- Use programmable or smart thermostat features to automate temperature changes
If You Travel Frequently
- Summer: Set to 88°F while away for extended periods
- Winter: Keep heat at 55–60°F to prevent pipes from freezing
- Use a smart thermostat to monitor and control settings remotely
❗️ 4 Common Thermostat Mistakes to Avoid
Even small missteps in how you manage your thermostat can lead to higher energy bills and less comfort. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.
- Constantly changing the temperature: This causes your HVAC system to work harder than necessary
- Turning the system off completely: It takes more energy to bring the temperature back to a comfortable level than to maintain a moderate setting
- Setting the temperature too low in summer or too high in winter: This adds strain to your system and increases utility costs
- Ignoring thermostat placement: Thermostats placed near heat sources or drafty windows can cause inaccurate readings
🤔 Should You Leave Your Thermostat at the Same Temperature All Day?
Leaving your thermostat at one temperature 24/7 is convenient, but not necessarily efficient. If no one is home during the day or overnight, adjusting your settings can lead to significant energy savings.
- Use scheduling features to change the temperature automatically
- Make gradual changes rather than large swings for better efficiency
- Keep indoor humidity in mind—ideal indoor humidity is 30–50 percent for comfort and air quality
👉 Why Choose Genz-Ryan for Thermostat Upgrades and HVAC Support
If your current thermostat isn’t giving you the control or savings you need, the team at Genz-Ryan is here to help. We’ve been keeping Minnesota families comfortable for over 70 years with expert HVAC service and modern home solutions.
- We install programmable and smart thermostats for all major brands
- Our technicians offer advice based on your home’s layout, usage, and HVAC system
- We ensure all settings are optimized for comfort, energy savings, and long-term performance
- We offer same-day service, up-front pricing, and trusted local expertise
Whether you’re ready for a thermostat upgrade or just want your current system tuned for the season, Genz-Ryan has you covered.
🏠 Control Comfort Year-Round With the Right Settings
Knowing the recommended thermostat settings for summer and winter helps you keep your home comfortable while saving money. Whether you’re home all day, traveling, or juggling a busy family schedule, the right settings and smart technology make it easy to stay in control.
If you need help setting up your thermostat, improving your HVAC efficiency, or upgrading to a programmable or smart model, contact Genz-Ryan today for a free quote. We’ll help you create a home that stays comfortable, efficient, and worry-free in every season.
