7 Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer & Winter

Getting the most out of your HVAC system isn’t just about the equipment—it’s about how you use it. One of the easiest ways to stay comfortable while saving energy is by knowing the recommended thermostat settings for summer and winter. Small adjustments to your thermostat can lower your utility bills, extend your system’s life, and keep your indoor environment feeling just right year-round. If your current system struggles to maintain ideal temperatures or your energy bills seem higher than they should be, it might be worth exploring other ways to improve home performance, including a few strategic climate control upgrades.

In this blog, you’ll learn:

• The best temperature settings for comfort and efficiency in summer and winter
• How to use setback strategies for better energy savings
• Why programmable and smart thermostats make a difference
• Tips tailored for homes in Germantown, MD and surrounding areas

Why Your Thermostat Settings Matter

Your thermostat is the control center of your HVAC system. It determines how often your heating or cooling equipment runs, which directly impacts comfort, energy use, and even maintenance frequency. Scheduling regular cooling maintenance helps ensure your air conditioner performs efficiently throughout Germantown’s hot, humid summers.

• Lower Energy Bills: Setting your thermostat strategically can reduce annual heating and cooling costs by 10% or more
• Maximized Comfort: Helps avoid temperature swings and overly dry or humid conditions
• Extended System Life: Fewer run cycles means less wear on HVAC components
• Improved Indoor Air Quality: Consistent settings can help better manage humidity and filtration
• Seasonal Flexibility: Adjustments help your home stay efficient through changing weather patterns

7 Best Thermostat Settings for Summer & Winter

Let’s break it down season by season. These are the most commonly recommended thermostat settings for maintaining comfort while minimizing energy waste.

1. Summer: 78°F When Home

This is the sweet spot for balancing comfort and efficiency in warmer months.

• Keeps most people comfortable without overworking the AC
• Close your blinds during peak sunlight to help maintain temperature

2. Summer: 85°F When Away

There’s no need to keep your home cool when no one’s there.

• Setting the temperature higher while you’re gone can reduce cooling costs
• Smart thermostats can adjust this automatically

3. Winter: 68°F When Home

Lowering your thermostat in the winter saves energy without sacrificing comfort if you layer up a bit. Investing in professional heating maintenance can help your system operate smoothly while keeping energy costs under control.

• A setting of 68°F is ideal for heating efficiency
• Use ceiling fans on reverse to help distribute warm air

4. Winter: 60–62°F When Away or Sleeping

Turning your heat down at night or while you’re at work cuts energy use significantly.

• The Department of Energy recommends reducing settings by 7–10°F for 8 hours daily
• Heavy blankets and programmable thermostats make this easy

5. Gradual Adjustments Work Best

Don’t make drastic temperature changes—it won’t cool or heat your home faster and can stress your system.

• Increase or decrease temperatures in 1–2°F increments as needed
• Avoid large swings that lead to spikes in energy use

6. Adjust for Humidity

In Germantown, MD and surrounding areas, summer humidity is a real concern.

• A higher temperature setting combined with a dehumidifier can feel cooler than a lower setting without humidity control
• Maintaining 40–50% indoor humidity can reduce the need for lower AC temps

7. Use Zoning if Available

If your home has multiple zones, adjust each based on occupancy and use. If you’re considering zoning upgrades or need help optimizing your current setup, professional HVAC services in Clarksburg can provide customized solutions designed to improve efficiency and year-round comfort.

• Keep lesser-used rooms slightly warmer in summer or cooler in winter
• Focus comfort settings on main living areas

Smart Ways to Manage Your Thermostat Year-Round

Beyond just choosing the right temperature, how and when you adjust your thermostat plays a big role in home performance.

Embrace Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats offer scheduling, remote control, learning capabilities, and energy reports.

• Set daily routines for home, away, and sleep modes
• Adjust from your phone while on the go

Use a Programmable Thermostat Wisely

If you don’t have a smart system, a programmable thermostat is still a huge step up from manual controls.

• Pre-program temperature changes based on your schedule
• Avoid constant manual adjustments, which can overwork the system

Avoid “Auto” Fan Mode for Better Air Quality

Instead of running your HVAC fan only when heating or cooling, consider using the “On” setting during peak allergy seasons.

• Helps circulate and filter air more consistently
• Especially useful in spring and fall in Germantown, MD and surrounding areas

Set It and Forget It (Within Reason)

Avoid frequent tinkering with the thermostat, which can disrupt energy efficiency.

• Instead, establish comfortable base settings and adjust only when your routine changes significantly

Seasonal Tips for Adjusting Comfort Without Touching the Thermostat

Your thermostat plays a big role, but other small changes throughout the home can enhance comfort without needing to lower or raise the temperature.

In Summer:

• Close blinds during peak sun hours to reduce radiant heat
• Use ceiling fans to improve air circulation (counterclockwise)
• Seal windows and doors to prevent cool air loss

In Winter:

• Reverse ceiling fans to circulate warm air (clockwise on low speed)
• Open curtains on sunny days to let in natural heat
• Use draft stoppers and insulate windows for extra warmth retention

These strategies help your system maintain your desired temperature with less effort.

How Your Home Type & HVAC System Affect Settings

Not all homes respond the same to thermostat adjustments. The age, size, and insulation levels of your home in Germantown, MD and surrounding areas all influence performance. Homeowners looking for expert support can explore reliable HVAC services in Urbana to ensure their system is properly calibrated for seasonal performance.

Newer or Well-Insulated Homes

• Maintain temperatures longer with less cycling
• Can stay comfortable with higher summer and lower winter settings

Older or Poorly Insulated Homes

• May require more frequent HVAC cycles to maintain comfort
• Benefit from HVAC upgrades, duct sealing, or added insulation

Heat Pump Systems

• Operate more efficiently with smaller temperature swings
• Best paired with thermostats specifically designed for heat pumps

Zoned Systems

• Allow individual control for different areas
• Can reduce energy waste by targeting use only where needed

Want Help Fine-Tuning Your Home Comfort? Smock HVAC Is Here

Knowing the recommended thermostat settings for summer and winter can save you money and make your home more comfortable all year long. Whether you’re looking to install a smart thermostat, explore zoning, or improve energy efficiency with a system upgrade, Smock HVAC has the tools and expertise to help. Whether you need repairs, maintenance, or a full system upgrade, experienced HVAC services in Damascus can help restore comfort and efficiency to your home while reducing unnecessary energy costs, contact us today and let Smock HVAC help you make the most of every season.