What Temperature Should I Set My Thermostat?
What temperature should you set your thermostat? Carrier recommends starting at 78°F in summer and 68°F in winter while you are home and awake, then adjusting the temperature based on your comfort, indoor humidity, and HVAC system. For additional energy savings, you can adjust your thermostat when you are asleep or away; the U.S. Department of Energy says adjusting a thermostat 7–10°F for 8 hours a day can save as much as 10% per year on heating and cooling. 1
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer and Winter
Finding the perfect temperature for your home often involves a bit of trial and error. However, Carrier recommends practical starting points to help you get started.
Heater Temperature
What is the best heater temperature for winter?
Carrier recommends starting at 68°F (20°C) while you are awake and at home.
- For more comfort: Try increasing the temperature by 1 or 2 degrees at a time until you feel cozy.
- For energy savings: Lower the temperature by 1 or 2 degrees. Wearing warm clothing like sweaters and using blankets can help you stay comfortable at lower settings.
Is 72 a good temperature for heat in the winter?
Wondering if 72 degrees is a good temperature for heat in the winter? While 72°F is a common comfort setting for many households, the ideal indoor temperature depends on factors like energy efficiency, humidity, insulation, and personal comfort preferences. For homeowners prioritizing energy efficiency, 72°F is higher than Carrier's 68°F starting point for winter heating.
Cooling Temperature
What is the best cooling temperature for summer?
To beat the heat and humidity, Carrier recommends starting by setting your air conditioning system to 78°F (26°C).
- Why 78°F? This setting can provide a balance of comfort and energy efficiency.
- Maximize comfort: Use ceiling fans or free-standing fans to make the room feel cooler without lowering the thermostat.
How to Save Energy Year-Round
According to the Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by adjusting your thermostat 7–10 degrees from your normal setting for 8 hours a day.1 However, if you have a heat pump, follow the setback recommendations for your specific system and thermostat rather than automatically applying a 7–10°F setback.
If you’re experiencing thermostat issues, troubleshooting common problems can help ensure your system is operating efficiently and saving energy.
Best times to adjust settings:
- At night: Lower the heat or raise the AC temperature when you go to bed.
- When away: Adjust the temperature when you leave for work or school.
Optimization for Each Season
Best Heater Temperature for My Winter Thermostat Setting
- During the heating season: Lower the heat and bundle up—wear a sweater, light jacket, or fuzzy slippers. Open window coverings during the day to let natural sunlight warm your home.
- Is 65 too cold for a house? The World Health Organization's housing guidelines identify 18°C (64.4°F) as a safe and well-balanced indoor temperature for the general population during cold seasons in temperate and colder climates. The guideline also notes that a higher minimum temperature may be appropriate for vulnerable groups. 2
Best Thermostat Setting for Summer
- During the cooling season: Raise the AC temperature and supplement with a fan. Close window coverings during the day to block out the sun's heat.
- Is 75 too hot for the thermostat in summer? While comfort is subjective, 75°F is within a range that many homeowners may find comfortable. Rather than treating one temperature as universally appropriate, adjust your thermostat based on comfort, humidity, and your home's conditions.
How to Set Thermostat for Year-Round Savings
Invest in Smart Technology
Upgrading to a programmable thermostat or a Wi-Fi® model is one of the easiest ways to manage your home's climate.
- Automatic Adjustments: These devices adjust temperatures automatically based on your schedule (e.g., lower while you sleep, higher when you wake up).
- Smart Learning: Some smart thermostats "learn" your habits and optimize settings for you.
- Remote Control: Wi-Fi® thermostats allow you to control your system from your smartphone via the Carrier SmartHome App.
For Carrier homeowners, compatible smart thermostat technology can make it easier to apply the Carrier Comfort & Efficiency Framework by automating temperature adjustments based on your schedule and allowing you to manage settings remotely.
If you struggle to find a comfortable temperature, it might be time to schedule HVAC maintenance. Your local Carrier HVAC contractor can analyze your system to ensure it is operating efficiently.
1 https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2022-08/energy-saver-guide-2022.pdf
2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535294/
The ideal thermostat setting varies with personal comfort and indoor humidity. Balancing those two factors keeps your home comfortable and your system efficient.”
Frequently Asked Questions
The most efficient temperature settings are generally 78°F for cooling in summer and 68°F for heating in winter. Maintaining these settings helps reduce energy consumption while keeping your home comfortable.
Most people find a temperature between 68°F and 72°F to be the most comfortable for indoor living. This range balances coziness with energy efficiency.
No, you cannot replace an AC thermostat with just any model. It is critical to choose a thermostat compatible with your specific HVAC system. Consulting a local HVAC expert ensures you select a model that supports your system's features and efficiency requirements.
Start by setting your heater to 68°F. If you need more warmth, increase the temperature by one degree at a time until comfortable. This approach prevents overheating and wasting energy.
Yes, 72°F is a reasonable setting if you prefer a warmer home. While slightly less efficient than 68°F, it balances comfort and cost effectively without overworking your heating system.
Setting your thermostat to 74°F is acceptable if that is your preference. However, keeping it between 68°F and 72°F is generally more energy-efficient. Lowering the temperature by even a few degrees can lead to noticeable savings.
A setting of 75°F in winter is on the higher side and may result in significantly higher heating bills. Frequent cycling to maintain this temperature can also increase wear and tear on your furnace.
About The Author: Travis Baugh is a Digital Brand Marketing Manager for Carrier, where he develops informative, straightforward content to help homeowners better understand heating, cooling, and indoor air quality. His writing is focused on empowering homeowners to make confident, well-informed choices about their home comfort systems.
About The Author: Janet Shaw is a Product Manager for Residential Thermostats at Carrier Corporation, where she focuses on developing innovative thermostat solutions that help homeowners improve comfort, convenience, and energy efficiency. Janet's goal is to help consumers better understand smart thermostat technology so they can make informed decisions about managing their home's comfort.