Thermostats play a key role in how much energy your home or small business uses. Setting yours correctly can not only improve comfort, but also lower energy use and extend the life of your heating and cooling systems.
In this guide, we’re sharing the best thermostat settings for every season, along with a few practical tips to make your energy use efficient all year long.
Costs of Heating and Cooling Your Home
Heating and cooling account for nearly 50% of the energy bill in most households. On average, that’s around $900 every year. Changing your thermostat settings even slightly can therefore have a noticeable impact on your electrical bill.
Lowering your heat just a few degrees in winter or raising your cooling setpoint a few degrees in summer can reduce how often your system runs. Less frequent cycling means consistent comfort and less wear on your equipment over time.
What Temperature Should You Set Your Thermostat to in the Winter?
The recommended indoor temperature during the winter is around 68°F when you’re home and awake. When you’re asleep or away, lowering the temperature to 60-62°F helps conserve energy without sacrificing comfort.
Lower settings reduce the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors, resulting in less work for your furnace or boiler. Maintaining this steady temperature helps sustain warmth throughout your home and prevents unnecessary strain on your system.
Adjusting your thermostat settings also impacts your heating bill. On average, every degree you drop your thermostat by in the winter saves up to three percent on your bill.
What Temperature Should You Set Your Thermostat to in the Summer?
The recommended indoor temperature during the summer is around 78°F when you’re home. When you’re away, the recommended temperature is between 82 and 85°F, which saves energy and reduces the strain on your air conditioning system. In fact, you can use up to 10% less energy by raising your thermostat just 7-10 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer.
Running a ceiling fan in the summer can help keep you cool and comfortable, enabling you to raise your thermostat a few more degrees. Just make sure it’s spinning counter-clockwise to create a refreshing breeze.
Using these settings balances comfort and efficiency by reducing how often your air conditioner cycles on, putting less strain on your system over time. Wear and tear on electrical components often peaks during summer months, but Agway EnergyGuard® can help. Our repair program covers wear and tear on eligible heating, cooling, and electrical systems*, so you’re not left stranded in the heat.
How to Optimize the Temperature Setting Year-Round
One of the easiest ways to maintain ideal temperatures year-round is by using a smart thermostat.
Smart thermostats learn your routines and automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule. You can control these settings from your smartphone, so you can adjust temperatures anytime, even while you’re away.
Using a smart thermostat can make it easier to follow recommended temperature settings and avoid wasting energy when nobody’s home. With just one simple device, you can save energy (and money!) at your home or small business every month.
General Recommended Thermostat Settings for Comfort & Health
Finding the perfect indoor temperature isn’t always just about saving energy. Another goal is to support your health, comfort, and well-being as optimally as possible. Here are a few alternative ideal temperatures for your comfort and health.
Best Temperature for Sleeping
According to experts, the ideal sleeping temperature is between 60°F and 67°F. Resting in a cooler room helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. If you have a smart thermostat, you can easily set it to lower temperatures when it’s time to go to bed.
Best Temperature for Babies, Elderly People, and Pets
Babies, older adults, and pets are more sensitive to temperature changes than the average adult. For these individuals, indoor temperatures should remain steady at 68-72°F in winter and 76-80°F in summer. At these temperatures, your loved ones will be safe and comfortable year-round.
Best Temperature for Extended Travel or Vacant Homes
Planning to leave home for an extended period of time? Adjust your thermostat to 55°F in winter to prevent pipes from freezing, and 85°F in summer, to protect your belongings from the heat. A smart thermostat is particularly helpful in these circumstances, so you can check on your home’s temperature from anywhere in the world.
Best Temperatures for Houseplants or Indoor Gardens
If you’ve got a green thumb, keep in mind that indoor temperatures impact your plants. Most houseplants thrive in consistent, moderate temperatures between 65 and 75°F during the day. At night, your temperatures should drop no lower than 60°F to keep your indoor garden healthy.
Get Peace of Mind With Agway
Heating and cooling make up a large portion of your energy costs, but there are ways to save. Setting your thermostat to 68°F in winter and 78°F in summer keeps you comfortable while improving the efficiency of your electrical systems. Small changes, like using ceiling fans and better insulation, can further optimize your energy use and environment.
Don’t let wear and tear on your electrical systems get in the way of your comfort. Agway Energy Services® provides reliable gas and electricity supply to homes and small businesses, along with Agway EnergyGuard®, a value-added service that covers energy-related repairs to eligible heating, cooling, and electrical systems,* so you have peace of mind through every season.
Sign up with EnergyGuard today to get peace of mind all year long!
Thermostat FAQs
My thermostat isn’t working. What should I do?
If your thermostat isn’t working, first check the batteries and circuit breakers. If these don’t seem to be the problem, contact a licensed electrician or Agway, if you’re an EnergyGuard customer. Faulty wiring or worn-out components may need repair or replacement.
What if my upstairs and downstairs have different temperatures?
Uneven temperatures between floors are expected to a degree, since heat rises and cool air settles. However, there should not be major differences between the two. Make sure vents are open, filters are clean, and your thermostat is placed in a central location. Zoning systems or smart thermostats can also balance temperatures between floors.
What are some low-cost ways to supplement my HVAC system in winter and summer?
In winter, open curtains during the day to let sunlight warm your home, then close them at night to trap the heat inside. In summer, close blinds and windows during peak sunlight hours to keep heat out while using ceiling fans to help stay cool. Sealing gaps around windows and doors can also improve insulation and sustain indoor temperatures.
Does Agway cover repairs for thermostats?
Yes, eligible thermostat repairs* are included in the HVAC Protection Plan under Agway EnergyGuard®. EnergyGuard covers core components of your heating and cooling systems, including thermostats, blowers, and more.
*Coverage depends on commodity purchased.
