When the Southern heat and humidity settle in, finding the right thermostat settings can make the difference between comfort and high energy bills. Many homeowners assume their thermostat is “set it and forget it,” but smarter usage can actually keep your home cool, cozy, and efficient. Whether you’re working with a traditional model or considering smart thermostat installation in Hammond, LA, knowing how to manage your system goes a long way toward balancing comfort with savings.
The Ideal Summer Settings
During the long, hot summers, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to around 78°F when you’re at home and need cooling. While that may seem a little warmer than expected, ceiling fans and natural ventilation can help make the temperature feel more comfortable. When you’re away from home, raising the temperature to 85°F or higher helps prevent your system from running unnecessarily. Each degree you increase the thermostat can reduce your cooling costs by about 3–5%.
Winter Settings for Comfort and Savings
Southern winters are mild compared to the North, but there are still chilly evenings that call for heat. The recommended setting is around 68°F when you’re at home and awake. Lowering it by 7–10 degrees while you sleep or are away can yield noticeable savings on heating costs. Layering clothing, using heavier blankets, and sealing drafts around windows and doors can help you stay warm without pushing your energy bills higher.
Simple Thermostat Management Tips
No matter what kind of thermostat you have, a few smart habits can stretch your energy dollars:
- Avoid big swings in temperature. Constantly turning your thermostat up and down forces your HVAC system to work harder, which uses more energy.
- Use fans wisely. Ceiling and floor fans don’t lower the temperature but do help circulate air, making the room feel cooler.
- Block out the sun. Closing blinds and curtains on hot days reduces indoor heat gain, easing the strain on your cooling system.
- Schedule setbacks. If your thermostat is programmable, set different temperatures for when you’re home, asleep, or away.
Why Consider a Smart Thermostat Upgrade?
If you’re still relying on a basic manual or programmable thermostat, you could be missing out on convenience and savings. Smart thermostats learn your habits, adjust automatically, and can be controlled from your phone. They also provide detailed energy reports so you can track your usage and identify opportunities to save. For households in the South, where cooling demands are constant, this can mean significant year-round savings and better comfort.
Finding the Right Balance
Every family’s comfort preferences are a little different, and the “perfect” temperature often depends on your lifestyle. But by following general guidelines—cooler settings in winter, warmer settings in summer, and scheduled adjustments when you’re away—you’ll keep both your HVAC system and your utility bills in check. Add in the convenience and efficiency of a smart thermostat, and you’ll enjoy comfort tailored to your home without sacrificing savings.
When you need it done right, contact Professional Heating & Air.