When it comes to comfort, energy efficiency, and cost savings, your thermostat settings play a crucial role. As the seasons change, so do your home’s heating and cooling needs. Setting your thermostat correctly not only keeps your space comfortable but also helps reduce utility bills and extend the life of your HVAC system.

Here’s a guide to the idea thermostat settings for each season to keep your home cozy year round.

Spring: Mild Temperatures, Smart Adjustments

Spring brings moderate temperatures, which makes it an ideal time to ease the strain on your HVAC system.

Recommended Setting:

  • Home: 68°F – 72°F during the day
  • Away or Sleeping: 65°F – 68°F

Take advantage of natural ventilation on mild days. Opening windows and using ceiling fans can reduce the need for heating or cooling all together.

Tip: Spring is a great time to schedule an HVAC maintenance before the summer heat arrives.

Summer: Keep Cool Without Overworking Your AC

In the summer months, it’s tempting to blast the AC. However, keeping your thermostat a bit higher can help lower energy costs.

Recommended Setting:

  • Home: 76°F – 78°F
  • Away or Sleeping: 82°F – 85°F

Using programmable or smart thermostats can help maintain these settings automatically, optimizing efficiency.

Tip: Use ceiling fans to circulate cool air and make the space feel cooler without lowering the temperature.

Fall: Transition to Heating

As temperatures drop, fall is the time to prepare for winter while still enjoying mild weather.

Recommended Setting:

  • Home: 68°F – 72°F
  • Away or Sleeping: 62°F – 66°F

Layering clothing and using extra blankets at night can help you stay warm while keeping your thermostat lower.

Tip: Check your furnace or heat pump now to ensure it’s working properly before winter hits.

Winter: Warm and Efficient

Heating costs can skyrocket during winter if you’re not careful. Proper thermostat settings can make a big difference.

Recommended Setting:

  • Home: 68°F – 70°F
  • Away or Sleeping: 60°F – 65°F

For every degree you lower your thermostat in winter, you can save up to 1% on your heating bill.

Tip: Keep curtains open during the day to let sunlight naturally warm your home and close them at night to keep the heat in.

Bonus: Invest in a Smart Thermostat

No matter the season, a smart thermostat can help you maintain ideal comfort settings and maximize energy efficiency. Features like remote access, learning your schedule, and energy usage reports make it easier than ever to manage your home’s climate.

Final Thoughts

Setting your thermostat with the seasons in mind is one of the simplest ways to reduce energy use and stay comfortabe all year long. If you’re unsure about the best settings for your specific HVAC system or want help upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat, our team at 4 Winds AC and Heating is here to help you.

Contact us today to schedule a seasonal HVAC maintenance or thermostat consultation!