Finding the sweet spot between comfort and energy savings can feel like a guessing game, especially when the temperature outside swings from freezing to sweltering. Too warm, and you’ll see your utility bill climb. The good news is that with a smart thermostat, you can enjoy year-round comfort and lower energy costs.
Whether you’re trying to determine the best temperature to set a thermostat to in winter to save money or keep your home cool in summer without overworking your air conditioner, the right thermostat settings — and a few smart habits — can make a big difference.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Winter
When the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, heating your home efficiently becomes a top priority. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the ideal thermostat setting in the winter is about 68°F when you’re awake and at home. This temperature keeps most households comfortable while keeping energy use in check.
For even greater savings, try lowering your thermostat by 7–10 degrees for at least eight hours a day, such as while you’re sleeping or away at work. This simple habit can help reduce your annual heating costs by as much as 10%.
Tips to Stay Warm While Saving Energy in Winter:
- Layer up indoors: Wearing a sweater or using throw blankets allows you to comfortably keep your thermostat a few degrees lower.
- Let the sunshine in: Open curtains and blinds during sunny days to collect natural heat.
- Close curtains at night: This helps trap heat inside and reduces drafts from windows.
- Check for drafts: Seal gaps around windows and doors to prevent warm air from escaping.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
When temperatures climb, your air conditioner can quickly become one of the biggest energy users in your home. The recommended thermostat settings for summer and winter vary, but in summer, the Department of Energy suggests setting your thermostat to 78°F while you’re home and awake.
If you’re away from home, raising the setting to 85°F or higher will help reduce cooling costs without making the home uncomfortably warm when you return. Smart thermostats can adjust these settings automatically based on your schedule or even your location, so you come home to a comfortable temperature without unnecessary energy use during the day.
How to Keep Cool While Using Less Energy in Summer:
- Use ceiling fans: They can make the room feel cooler, letting you to keep your thermostat a few degrees higher.
- Block out heat: Keep blinds and curtains pulled during the day, especially on south- and west-facing windows.
- Avoid heat-producing activities: Cooking with the oven or running the dryer during the hottest part of the day can force your AC to work harder.
Finding the Proper Indoor Temperature Year-Round
The proper indoor temperature is not a one-size-fits-all number. It depends on your comfort preferences, the season, and your willingness to adjust habits for energy savings. Small adjustments, even just one or two degrees, can have a significant impact over time.
Some families prefer cooler sleeping temperatures, setting the thermostat a handful of degrees lower in winter or higher in summer overnight. Others may adjust temperatures more during the day when rooms are unoccupied.
If remembering to adjust the thermostat sounds like a hassle, a programmable or smart thermostat can make these changes automatically. Honeywell Home smart thermostats, for example, can:
- Learn your daily routine and adapt temperatures accordingly.
- Detects when you’re home or away using geofencing.
- Provide energy reports to help you track savings.
- Integrate with voice assistants for easy control.
This technology ensures your home temperature for winter or summer is always optimized for both comfort and efficiency, without you needing to constantly check or change the settings. And if you prefer a more hands-on and low-tech option, programmable thermostats allow you to easily customize your home’s heating schedule.
How Thermostat Settings Affect Energy Bills
Heating and cooling often account for nearly half of a home’s total energy use. That means even small changes in thermostat settings can lead to noticeable differences in your utility bill. A good rule of thumb: the closer your indoor temperature is to the outdoor temperature, the less your HVAC system has to work.
For example:
In winter, lowering the temperature when you’re away reduces the amount of heat your system has to produce.
In summer, raising the thermostat when you’re out reduces the amount of heat your system has to remove from your home.
By combining smart settings with energy-conscious habits, you can enjoy a comfortable home without overpaying for it.
Save Energy Without Sacrificing Comfort
Choosing the right thermostat settings is one of the easiest ways to manage both comfort and energy costs. Whether it’s keeping your home cozy in the winter or cool in the summer, small adjustments add up to long-term savings.
With Honeywell Home programmable and smart thermostats, you can set your ideal seasonal temperatures, let your system handle the adjustments, and enjoy a comfortable home that works smarter, not harder.
Ready to find the perfect thermostat for your lifestyle? Explore Honeywell Home’s full range of solutions and start saving energy without giving up the comfort you love.