Striking the right balance between keeping your home comfy and keeping your energy bills manageable can feel like a never-ending battle — especially when everyone in your family has different ideas about what the ideal home temperature should be. If you’ve ever found yourself in a tug-of-war over your thermostat settings, you’re definitely not alone. 

It’s really all about balance. With the right thermostat settings, you can create an environment that works for everyone while still being mindful of your energy costs. Here’s a look at the optimal settings for each season and some practical tips for getting the most out of your HVAC system. 

Why Your Thermostat Settings Are Important

Your thermostat is basically at the epicenter of your home’s comfort. The settings you choose affect how cozy you feel, what your monthly utility bills look like, and the lifespan of your HVAC system.

When you set ideal home temperatures that are too extreme, your system has to work overtime, which can lead to higher energy costs and more frequent repairs. This is where the age-old adage “it’s a marathon, not a sprint” really applies. You want your HVAC system to maintain a steady, sustainable pace when it’s heating or cooling your space. If it’s constantly sprinting, it’s going to wear itself out quicker and endure more wear and tear.

Summer Thermostat Settings: Stay Cool and Save

When temperatures soar during the summer, it’s tempting to crank the air conditioning down as low as it will go. However, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, the ideal home temperature setting for your energy-saving thermostat is between 75-78°F. Experts share that “You can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be.”

Now, we know what you must be thinking: 78°F sounds a bit too warm! But at this temperature, you’re able to strike the perfect balance between comfort and efficiency. You can also supplement this setting with ceiling fans, which will help circulate cool air and make the space feel several degrees cooler. It’s a simple adjustment that can significantly decrease your energy consumption and prolong the lifespan of your system.

Ideal Thermostat Settings for Winter

Winter calls for a different approach to your thermostat settings. The recommended ideal home temperature during colder months is 68°F when you’re home and awake. This provides plenty of warmth to keep you comfortable while being mindful of your energy usage. When you’re sleeping or away from home, lowering your thermostat by 7-10 degrees for at least eight hours a day can really help you maximize your savings. 

Smart Strategies for Year-Round Comfort & Savings 

Consider Using an Energy Saving Thermostat

Programmable and smart thermostats can really make a world of difference when it comes to optimizing efficiency and comfort for your household. These energy saving thermostat devices work by automatically adjusting your thermostat settings based on your schedule, so you never have to worry about forgetting to change the temperature when you leave for work.

Smart thermostats go a step further by learning your habits and preferences over time. Some can even be controlled remotely from your smartphone, giving you the flexibility to adjust your ideal home temperature before you even step through the front door.

Don’t Forget the Little Things 

Your energy saving thermostat settings are just one piece of the puzzle. Here are some additional tips to help you maximize your HVAC system’s efficiency: 

• Seal the gaps: Check for any drafts around your windows and doors. Even small leaks can make your system work harder to maintain your desired temperature. 
• Use your ceiling fans: In the summer, set them to rotate counterclockwise to push cool air down. In the winter, switch to clockwise to help circulate warm air. 
• Keep vents clear: Make sure there’s no furniture or curtains blocking your air vents, as this can restrict airflow and reduce efficiency.

When to Call in the Professionals 

Sometimes, no matter how you adjust your thermostat settings, your unit just isn’t doing what you expect it to. This can often be indicative of a larger problem that requires the help of a professional.

From dirty filters to leaky ductwork to an aging system, there are many potential issues that can impact your system’s ability to deliver your ideal home temperature. When in doubt, it’s always best to schedule a professional inspection, so a qualified technician can evaluate your HVAC system to ensure it’s operating at peak performance. 

Finding Your Perfect Balance

The ideal thermostat settings are going to vary ever-so-slightly from home to home, with factors like insulation, home size, and personal preferences all coming into play. 

It’s best to start with the recommended temperatures we shared above, and then make small adjustments as needed to find what works best for your family. 

The key here is to stay consistent. If you’re frequently changing your ideal home temperature, it’ll wind up increasing your energy usage and putting unnecessary strain on your system. Always aim to set your energy-saving thermostat to a comfortable temperature and stick with it as much as possible.

Want to learn more about smart thermostats, schedule an inspection, or ask us about potential repairs? Contact our team today. We’re here to help you through every season.