Finding that perfect thermostat setting can feel like a never-ending war between comfort and cost. Set it too low in the summer, and your energy bill skyrockets; push it too high, and your living room becomes a sauna. Here’s how to set your thermostat so you can stay comfortable without burning a hole in your wallet.
Why Stick to Set Temperatures?
Constantly fiddling with your thermostat might make you feel like you’re dialing in your comfort, but it can backfire. When you keep changing the temperature, your HVAC system ends up working harder, which means more energy usage and higher utility bills.
That’s why consistency is the key. Think of your HVAC system like a car. If you constantly speed up and slow down, you consume more gas than if you use the cruise control. The same idea applies to your heating and cooling. There is one exception, though—setting back the temperature when you’re sleeping or away from home can lead to real savings.
Ideal Temperature Ranges for Summer & Winter
So, what’s the magic number? It depends on the season and whether you’re home or not.
In the summer, the U.S. Department of Energy suggests 78 degrees F while you’re home. This might cut your summer electric bill by more than 25% compared to setting it at 72 degrees, but it’s not always practical. Many people find a range between 74 and 77 degrees to be a more livable zone. When you’re gone for at least eight hours, set the temperature to 85 degrees and give your AC a break. You should notice up to a 10% decrease in your cooling bills as a result.
During the winter, the recommended thermostat setting while at home is 68 to 70 degrees. When you head out or go to bed, lower it to between 60 and 63 degrees. The 10% decrease in heating bills applies here, too.
Benefits of Programmable Thermostats
If all this talk of schedules and setbacks sounds like too much to keep up with, a programmable thermostat can help. This device lets you set it and forget it. Simply program a schedule that mirrors your daily routine, and let the thermostat do the rest.
It will adjust the temperature automatically, so you don’t have to remember to turn things up or down when you leave. Plus, programmed recovery periods ensure you always wake up and come home to a comfortable interior. Enjoy more savings, less stress, and a home that always feels just right.
Other Ways to Stay Comfortable
Thermostats do a lot, but they don’t have to do it all. Support your HVAC system and stay comfortable year-round with these tricks:
- Ceiling fans: Run them counterclockwise on medium or high in the summer to create a cooling breeze. In the winter, run them clockwise on low to push warm air down to ground level.
- Window coverings: Close the blinds on hot summer days to block out direct sunlight. Open them on sunny winter afternoons to let in free warmth.
- Humidity control: Install a dehumidifier to work alongside your AC in the summer. This prevents that unpleasant cool-but-clammy feeling. Then, run a whole-house humidifier in the winter to help the dry air feel more comfortable.
- Space heaters: Heat the room you’re using instead of the whole house to cut energy use without sacrificing comfort.
Schedule HVAC or Thermostat Services in Cincinnati
National Heating and Air Conditioning has over 90 years of experience keeping Cincinnati homes comfortable. Our NATE-certified technicians can service any brand. Whether you’re thinking about installing a programmable thermostat, need an efficient repair, or want a free replacement estimate, we can help.
Schedule services today, and we’ll keep your home comfortable and efficient season after season.
