Nobody wants to spend a fortune on heating and cooling, but you also don’t want to freeze in the winter or sweat through the summer just to save a few bucks. Finding the right balance between comfort and energy efficiency isn’t about suffering through extreme temperatures—it’s about making smart thermostat adjustments that keep your home comfortable while controlling energy costs.

So, what’s the ideal thermostat setting? It depends on the season, your daily routine, and how much you’re willing to adjust when you’re asleep or away from home. In this blog, our Charleston HVAC company will explore how to find that sweet spot year-round.

Winter: Keeping Warm Without Overpaying

It’s tempting to crank up the heat on cold days, but the U.S. Department of Energy recommends keeping your thermostat at 68°F when you’re home. This is warm enough to stay comfortable with a sweater or blanket but still low enough to keep energy costs reasonable.

If you’re sleeping or out of the house for a while, turning your heating system down by 7-10 degrees can cut your heating bill by as much as 10% a year. A cooler temperature at night can also help you sleep better.

What works best:

  • 68°F when home and awake
  • 60-65°F when sleeping or away

Instead of turning the heat up when you feel chilly, try layering up, using a humidifier to keep the air from feeling too dry, and sealing up drafts around windows and doors.

Summer: Staying Cool Without Running Up Your AC Bill

When summer hits, your AC can quickly become one of the biggest energy drains in your home. The recommended setting is 78°F when you’re home, which may seem warm initially, but it keeps your home comfortable while keeping cooling costs manageable.

If you’re out for the day, raising the thermostat to around 85°F prevents your AC from working overtime while you’re gone. And if 78°F feels too warm, ceiling fans can make a big difference, helping to circulate air and make the room feel cooler without lowering the temperature.

What works best:

  • 78°F when home and awake
  • 85°F when away for extended periods

If 78°F still feels too warm, close blinds during the hottest part of the day, use fans, and keep doors shut in unused rooms.

Spring & Fall: The “Off-Season” Advantage

The best thing about spring and fall is that you may not need to run your HVAC much. These mild seasons are the perfect time to open windows, let fresh air in, and use natural ventilation.

On cooler nights, setting the thermostat around 65-72°F keeps things comfortable without using unnecessary energy. If it gets warm during the day, ceiling fans and open windows can often keep things comfortable without turning on the AC.

What works best:

  • 65-72°F depending on weather and personal comfort
  • Open windows and use fans when possible

If you live in an area where temperatures fluctuate quickly, a programmable thermostat can help make small automatic adjustments throughout the day.

How to Save Energy Without Sacrificing Comfort

It’s not just about the thermostat setting; how you use your heating and cooling system plays a significant role in both comfort and energy costs.

  • Use a programmable or smart thermostat. It eliminates guesswork when adjusting temperatures and makes automatic changes based on your schedule.
  • Adjust settings when you’re away. If you’re going to be gone for several hours, lowering (in winter) or raising (in summer) the temperature by 7-10 degrees can cut costs without making your home uncomfortable.
  • Use fans wisely. A ceiling fan can make a room feel up to 4 degrees cooler, letting you keep the thermostat a little higher without losing comfort.
  • Keep up with HVAC maintenance. A dirty air filter makes your HVAC unit work harder, increasing energy use. Change filters every 1-3 months and schedule regular tune-ups.
  • Seal leaks and insulate your home. If warm or cool air is escaping, your HVAC system has to work much harder. Sealing drafts around windows and adding insulation to your attic can save energy.

Prioritize Comfort & Savings with Prestige Heating & Air: Your Go-To Provider of Heating & Air Conditioning Services in Charleston

The best temperature settings are about striking the right balance between comfort and efficiency. Minor adjustments like lowering the heat a few degrees at night or using fans instead of the AC can create significant savings over time.

If you’re struggling with high energy bills or a heating and air conditioning system that isn’t keeping up, Prestige Heating & Air can help. Whether you need a smart thermostat installed, a system tune-up, preventative maintenance, or advice on improving energy efficiency and indoor air quality, our certified HVAC technicians are here to keep your home comfortable all year round. Get in touch today!