Many homeowners often ask, “What’s the best temperature to set my thermostat to during the summer and winter?” It’s a great question—and one that can make a big difference in both comfort and energy bills. At Oasic AC Services, we always aim to help our clients in Louisiana maintain the perfect indoor temperature year-round.
Finding the recommended thermostat settings for summer and winter depends on your comfort level, your home’s insulation, and how much energy you want to save. Let’s break it down in simple terms.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
When the Louisiana heat hits hard, it can be tempting to keep your air conditioner running on full blast all day. But there’s a balance between comfort and cost. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (energy.gov), the recommended thermostat setting for summer is 78°F (26°C) when you’re home and need cooling.
Here’s why this works:
- Comfort with efficiency. Keeping your home around 78°F allows your body to stay cool while keeping your AC system from overworking.
- Lower energy bills. Every degree below 78°F can increase your cooling costs by 6–8%. That’s money you can easily save by adjusting your settings slightly.
- When you’re away. If you leave home for several hours, set the thermostat about 7–10°F higher. This simple adjustment reduces unnecessary cooling without making your home unbearably hot when you return.
If your air conditioner struggles to reach these temperatures, it might be time for AC maintenance or AC repair. A small tune-up can drastically improve performance and efficiency.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Winter
When the cold weather rolls in, people often wonder, “What temp should heat be on?” or “What’s the best temperature for home in winter?”
The recommended thermostat setting for winter is 68°F (20°C) while you’re at home and awake. If you’re sleeping or away, you can lower it by a few degrees to around 65°F (18°C) or less.
Why these settings make sense:
- Energy savings. Lowering your thermostat by 7–10°F for eight hours can save up to 10% a year on heating costs.
- Consistent comfort. Your furnace doesn’t have to work overtime, meaning fewer repairs and longer system lifespan.
- Better humidity control. Lower heat settings help prevent your home from drying out too much, keeping the air more comfortable.
If your system has trouble maintaining warmth, Oasic AC Services offers reliable AC replacement and AC installation services to keep your home cozy through the winter season.
Smart Thermostat Tips for Year-Round Comfort
A smart thermostat is one of the easiest ways to manage your recommended thermostat settings for summer and winter automatically. It adjusts temperatures based on your schedule and habits. Here’s how it helps:
- Automatic temperature changes. It can raise or lower the temperature when you leave or return home, without you touching a thing.
- Energy tracking. Most smart thermostats show real-time data so you can see how much energy you’re using and where you can save.
- Remote control. You can change the temperature from your phone—ideal for unpredictable Louisiana weather.
If you’re ready to upgrade, our team can recommend and install the best smart thermostat models for your home comfort system.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Thermostat Settings
Even small missteps can cause your energy bills to climb. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Setting the thermostat too low in summer. Running your AC nonstop at 70°F won’t cool faster—it’ll just cost more and wear out your unit.
- Cranking up the heat in winter. Setting it to 80°F won’t warm your house any quicker; it’ll only cause uneven heating and wasted energy.
- Ignoring regular maintenance. Without proper tune-ups, your HVAC system won’t reach the desired temperature efficiently. Regular AC maintenance ensures smooth operation year-round.
- Blocking vents. Furniture or rugs over vents restrict airflow, making your system work harder to reach your thermostat’s set point.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer and Winter by Area
Whether you’re in a coastal community or inland, Louisiana weather can vary. That’s why Oasic AC Services provides customized comfort solutions across multiple locations:
- Air Conditioning Heating Services in Kentwood, LA: For homes that deal with heavy humidity, we adjust thermostat recommendations to reduce moisture buildup.
- Air Conditioning Heating Services in Covington, LA: In this area, mild winters make energy-saving temperature settings easier to maintain.
- Air Conditioning Heating Services in Ponchatoula, LA: We often recommend balancing comfort and humidity control through thermostat programming.
- Air Conditioning and Heating Services in Madisonville, LA: Homeowners benefit from smart thermostats that automatically adapt to frequent weather changes.
Keep Your Home Comfortable with Oasic AC Services
Finding the recommended thermostat settings for summer and winter is about more than comfort—it’s about efficiency, savings, and system longevity. At Oasic AC Services, we help Louisiana homeowners achieve all three. Whether you need professional AC installation, routine AC maintenance, or expert AC repair, we’re here to make sure your system runs smoothly year-round.
Ready to get your home temperature just right? Contact us today or call (225) 414-0708 to schedule service with our certified technicians.
Your comfort is our priority—no matter the season.
FAQs About Thermostat Settings
Q: What temperature should I set my thermostat to in summer at night?
A: Around 78°F is ideal for most people, but lowering it to 75°F can make sleeping more comfortable if you use a fan for airflow.
Q: What temp should heat be on for seniors or babies?
A: Keep it slightly warmer—around 70°F to 72°F—to maintain comfort without overheating the home.
Q: Should I turn my AC off when I’m not home?
A: It’s better to raise it by 7–10°F instead of turning it off completely. This avoids humidity buildup and makes it easier to cool down when you return.
Q: How do I know if my thermostat is working properly?
A: If your system frequently cycles or struggles to reach the set temperature, it may be time for AC repair or a thermostat upgrade.
