What Is the Ideal Thermostat Setting for Energy Savings?
What Is the Ideal Thermostat Setting for Energy Savings?
Your thermostat setting directly influences how much energy your HVAC system uses. Heating and cooling account for nearly half of the average home’s energy use. Small adjustments can lead to big savings over time—especially if your thermostat is set too high in winter or too low in summer.
The Best Thermostat Setting for Summer
When it comes to keeping your home comfortable while lowering your energy bills, your thermostat plays a big role. Knowing the ideal settings for different seasons and using smart strategies can make a noticeable difference in both comfort and cost. At Fry Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re here to help you strike that perfect balance
Why Thermostat Settings Matter
For energy savings during hot months, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F (26°C) when you're at home and awake.
When you're away, raising the temperature by 7–10 degrees (around 85°F or 29°C) can help reduce cooling costs by up to 10% annually. The key is minimizing the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures to reduce the load on your air conditioner.
The Best Thermostat Setting for Winter
In colder months, aim for 68°F (20°C) while you're home and awake. Lower it by 7–10 degrees while you’re asleep or away (down to around 60°F or 16°C). This helps your furnace run more efficiently and can significantly cut heating expenses.
Layering up with warm clothes and using cozy blankets is a simple way to stay comfortable with a lower setting.
Tips for Maximizing Energy Savings Year-Round
Use a Programmable Thermostat: Set it to automatically adjust when you’re asleep or away.
Smart Thermostats: These learn your habits and optimize heating/cooling based on your routines.
Avoid Extreme Settings: Cranking your system up or down doesn’t heat or cool your home faster—it only wastes energy.
Maintain Your HVAC System: Schedule seasonal maintenance with Fry Plumbing to keep your system running efficiently.
How Fry Plumbing Can Help
At Fry Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning Corp., we’ve been helping families in the D.C. area stay comfortable since 1950. Whether you need help setting up a smart thermostat, optimizing your HVAC system for better performance, or scheduling seasonal maintenance, our team is here for you.
We understand how important both comfort and cost savings are. Trust our licensed experts to guide you in getting the most from your thermostat and your HVAC investment. If you're interested in Fry Plumbing's services contact us here!
