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Best Heater Temperature or Cooling Temperature: What Temperature Should I Set My Thermostat?

By Travis Baugh

Trying to decide what temperature to set your thermostat? You are not alone! Your thermostat settings not only affect your comfort, they can have a big impact on your utility bills as well. And while the ideal thermostat setting for your home is largely based upon personal preference, there are ways to achieve a comfortable balance between comfort and energy savings. 

carrier dealer showing a couple recommended thermostat settings for summer and winter

Recommended thermostat settings for summer and winter

Here are some tips on how to find the right thermostat settings for your home in summer and winter:

Heater Temperature

Regardless of whether you are more interested in comfort or savings, finding that sweet spot on the thermostat may take a little trial and error. A good rule of thumb for energy-saving heating temperature is to set your thermostat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit. For more comfort, try increasing the temperature by 1 or 2 degrees at a time. For energy savings, turn the temperature down 1 or 2 degrees at a time. 

Cooling Temperature

During the hotter, more humid months, nothing beats the relief of a cool, humidity-controlled home. To find your happy place, try setting your air conditioning system at 78 degrees Fahrenheit for a good mix of comfort and energy efficiency. Then, adjust as needed to find your comfort zone. 

When you want to save energy...

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According to the Department of Energy, you can save up to 10% a year on your heating and cooling energy bill when you set back the thermostat 7-10 degrees from your normal setting, for 8 hours a day.1 Do this at night when you go to bed, and during the day when you go to work.

WHAT IS THE BEST HEATER TEMPERATURE FOR MY WINTER THERMOSTAT SETTING?

  • During the heating season: Try turning the heat down and bundling up – wear a sweater or light jacket, fuzzy slippers, etc. Open window coverings to allow natural sunlight in and let Mother Nature help warm your home.
  • Is 65 too cold for a house? According to the National Library of Medicine, it is recommended that indoor housing temperatures should be set above 64.4 degrees Fahrenheit to protect residents from the harmful effects of cold.2

A woman adjusting her winter thermostat setting after learning recommended thermostat settings for summer and winter.

BEST THERMOSTAT SETTING FOR SUMMER

  • During the cooling season: Try turning up the AC temperature and supplementing with a fan – either a free-standing type or a ceiling fan. Close window coverings to minimize the sun’s warming effect.
  • Is 75 too hot for the thermostat in summer? It's generally recommended to set the thermostat to a temperature that you find comfortable; however, the World Health Organization recommends keeping room temperatures below 89.6 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 75.2 degrees Fahrenheit at night for health and comfort.3 Learn more about the best temperature for AC.
woman changing the heater temperature on her thermostat

HOW TO SET THERMOSTAT FOR YEAR-ROUND SAVINGS

  • All year long: Get a programmable thermostat that can automatically adjust the temperature for comfort when you are home or awake. Some of these smart thermostat models will also “learn” your patterns and automatically adjust your thermostat to help maintain both comfort and energy savings. And, Wi-Fi® thermostats give you even more flexibility than manual thermostats with comfort control from your smartphone, tablet or computer. Our Wi-Fi thermostats must be connected to Wi-Fi for remote connectivity. You need an iOS® or Android® mobile device to use our app.

If you just can’t get comfortable at all after experimenting with the temperature in your home, it might be time to get an expert opinion from your local Carrier HVAC contractor. Your local dealer can analyze your HVAC system to make sure it is operating properly, and make repairs if necessary. That’s a solution most people can get comfortable with!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HEATING AND COOLING THERMOSTAT SETTINGS

The most efficient temperature to set your thermostat, particularly for optimizing your heating and cooling system, is typically around 78 degrees Fahrenheit for cooling in summer and 68 degrees Fahrenheit for heating in winter.4 Setting your thermostat at these levels helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature while reducing energy consumption.
Although comfort is personal and can vary, a generally comfortable temperature for a house is often set between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. This range is considered ideal for most people to feel comfortable indoors.
You cannot replace an AC thermostat with just any thermostat; it's important to choose one that is compatible with your specific heating and cooling system. It would be a good idea to consult with a local HVAC expert to ensure the new thermostat matches the system's requirements and features for optimal performance and efficiency. Additionally, a local expert will be knowledgeable about new technologies, such as smart thermostats.
The ideal temperature for your heater depends on factors such as comfort, energy efficiency, and the specific environment of your space. Try setting your thermostat at 68 degrees and raising the temperature by 1 or 2 degrees at a time if additional comfort is needed.
While slightly higher than the typical energy-saving range of 68°F–70°F, 72°F still offers a reasonable balance between comfort and efficiency. It’s not excessively high, which would lead to higher heating costs, but it can feel cozy enough to avoid overworking your heating system.
It is OK to set your thermostat to 74°F if you're happy with that temperature. However, many people find temperatures between 68°F–72°F more comfortable for everyday living. If efficiency is a concern, you might want to consider lowering the temperature by a few degrees to save energy.
Setting your heater to 75°F in winter can be on the warmer side, depending on your comfort level, and may also lead to higher heating bills. It could lead to more frequent cycling, which may reduce the lifespan of your furnace over time. However, there is nothing inherently wrong with setting your thermostat to this setting.
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