Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer and Winter

During the summer, your cooling system is battling heat and humidity at the same time. The harder your air conditioner runs, the higher your energy consumption and your utility bills will be, so it’s helpful to know what temperatures to set it to and when.

According to energy.gov, part of the U.S. Department of Energy, the recommended thermostat setting during the summer is:

• 75-78°F during the day and when you’re home
• Higher, such as around 85°F when you’re away

For many homeowners, 78°F might sound warm, but paired with ceiling fans and proper airflow, it’s often the ideal temperature for balancing comfort and energy efficiency.

Every degree you lower your thermostat below 78°F increases energy use. For example, setting your thermostat to 72°F on a hot afternoon may feel great, but your cooling costs will reflect it. The U.S. Department of Energy also reports that raising your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours a day can reduce energy costs by up to 10% annually. Over time, that’s a lot of money and energy saved.

If you’re concerned about staying cool at around 78°F in the summer, you can try using ceiling fans. While ceiling fans don’t necessarily lower the temperature in a room, they do improve comfort by creating cool airflow. This can make a warm room feel cooler than it actually is.

If you’re away from your home during the day, you can safely raise your thermostat to save extra energy and money. A programmable thermostat or smart thermostat makes these temperature changes automatic, saving energy without you having to think about it.

Note: This may not apply if you have pets. Always be sure they are cool enough, especially during hot summer days. Keep them inside and monitor them for any signs of temperature discomfort, especially if they are used to a cooler temperature setting.

If you’re still manually adjusting your thermostat, you’re probably missing out on easy energy-saving tips. Using a smart thermostat can help you save money on utility bills while also saving energy.

A smart thermostat or programmable thermostat allows you to:

• Schedule automatic temperature adjustments
• Track energy use
• Monitor patterns in energy consumption
• Control your HVAC system remotely
• Integrate with your smart home setup

Consider using a smart thermostat if your cooling and heating bills tend to fluctuate each year, as it can help you manage a more predictable, cost-efficient home temperature.

One common myth is that cranking the thermostat way down will cool your house faster. Most people don’t realize that air conditioners cool at a consistent rate, so setting the thermostat several degrees lower doesn’t speed up the cooling system; it just makes it run longer.

The same goes for winter. Gradual temperature adjustments are better for both comfort and your HVAC system’s long-term performance.

Recommended thermostat settings are not one-size-fits-all rules. Your ideal temperature may vary based on:

• Home insulation quality
• Window efficiency
• Home size and layout
• Humidity levels
• Personal comfort preferences
• Age and condition of your heating system and cooling system
• Time spent at home
• Health conditions that require certain temperature ranges for optimal comfort and safety
• Pets

Older St. Louis homes, especially brick homes, can have different airflow characteristics compared to newer builds. This may affect how warm air or cool air circulates throughout the house.

If certain rooms feel hotter or colder than others, it may be airflow, ductwork, or insulation-related. Schedule regular HVAC maintenance to monitor and attend to these common household issues. HVAC technicians can also conduct a home energy audit to ensure your system is working efficiently.

If you want to reduce energy bills beyond thermostat settings alone, consider these strategies:

• Change your air filter regularly
• Seal air leaks around doors and windows
• Use ceiling fans strategically
• Close blinds during peak summer sun
• Open blinds during sunny winter days
• Upgrade to a programmable thermostat if you haven’t already

These small steps reduce overall energy use and improve energy efficiency year-round.

Utility bills in St. Louis tend to spike during peak summer and winter months due to summer humidity and winter cold snaps. Setting your thermostat even a few degrees closer to the recommended thermostat settings can significantly reduce cooling and heating costs.

If your energy bills remain unusually high despite reasonable thermostat settings, it may be time to have your HVAC system inspected. Inefficient equipment, refrigerant issues, or aging components can drive up energy costs regardless of thermostat discipline.

There’s no single magic number that works perfectly for every home. But in general:

• Summer thermostat settings: 78°F at home, higher when away
• Winter thermostat settings: 68°F at home, lower while sleeping or away

If you’re unsure whether your current setup is optimized for efficiency, a professional HVAC inspection can help ensure your heating system and cooling system are running as efficiently as possible.