When it comes to keeping your energy bills under control without compromising the comfort of your living space, your thermostat setting is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal. Many homeowners don’t realize that even small adjustments—just a few degrees up or down, depending on the time of year—can lead to noticeable savings on monthly utility costs. These changes might seem minor, but over time, they reduce the workload on your AC and heating system, lower your overall energy consumption, and extend the life of your equipment.
The key is finding the sweet spot between efficiency and comfort. It’s not just about setting your thermostat low in the summer or high in the winter—it’s about making strategic adjustments based on when you’re home, how your home retains temperature, and what feels comfortable for your family. At Shalom Heating & Air, we specialize in helping homeowners identify the ideal temperature settings for their unique environment. Whether you’re working from home, commuting daily, or managing a household with kids or elderly family members, we take your lifestyle, home layout, and climate into account to recommend energy-saving thermostat settings that actually work for you.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Maximum Efficiency
There’s no single “perfect” temperature for everyone, but energy experts—including the U.S. Department of Energy—offer clear guidelines for saving money year-round:
- In Summer: Set your thermostat to 78°F (26°C) when you’re home and need cooling. Raise it by 7–10 degrees when you’re away to reduce AC runtime.
- In Winter: Set your thermostat to 68°F (20°C) during waking hours and lower it by a few degrees at night or when you’re not home.
- While Sleeping or Away: Use a programmable or smart thermostat to automatically adjust settings when you’re asleep or out of the house.
- Zoned Systems or Multi-Story Homes: Adjust different zones slightly depending on usage—warmer upstairs in summer, cooler downstairs in winter.
- Ceiling Fans Help: In summer, fans can make a 78°F home feel cooler by improving air circulation, allowing you to raise the temperature a bit more.
These small changes can lead to noticeable reductions in your monthly utility bills—without making your home feel uncomfortable.
How Temperature Settings Affect Energy Usage
Heating and cooling account for nearly half of the average household’s energy use. Even a single degree of adjustment can make a difference. In fact, for every degree you raise or lower your thermostat (depending on the season), you could save up to 1% on your energy bill over an eight-hour period. Over time, this adds up—especially during peak seasons.
Using a smart thermostat also gives you more control and automation. You can fine-tune schedules based on your lifestyle, weather forecasts, or even occupancy patterns to reduce waste without lifting a finger.
Other Tips for Boosting Energy Efficiency
Your thermostat setting is just one part of the energy-saving puzzle. Combine it with these tips for even better results:
- Keep filters clean and change them regularly
- Seal air leaks around windows, doors, and ducts
- Use blackout curtains in summer to block heat
- Let sunlight in during winter to naturally warm your home
- Schedule regular maintenance to keep your system running efficiently
- Upgrade to a high-efficiency AC and heating system if your current one is outdated
Our team can inspect your current setup and help you improve overall performance with a mix of proper settings, maintenance, and smart upgrades.
Work with an AC Installer Who Understands Comfort and Efficiency
At Shalom Heating & Air, we don’t just install systems—we help you get the most out of them. If you’re unsure whether your thermostat settings, ductwork, or equipment are optimized for energy efficiency, we’re here to help.
Schedule an appointment with one of our professional AC installers today. We’ll assess your system, answer your questions, and recommend smart, cost-saving strategies so you stay comfortable year-round—without overpaying on energy.
