Thermostat Settings for Every Season

If you’re looking for home energy saving tips, a programmable thermostat is one of the best ways to lower your energy bills. This simple technology – which automatically adjusts to your “comfort setting” before you wake up or return home – helps you save without causing you any discomfort.

The recommended thermostat settings below take into account Georgia’s average outside temperatures for each season, U.S. Department of Energy recommendations, and even guidelines from sleep experts on ideal sleeping temperatures. Give these energy savers a try and start saving today:

Did You Know?
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that you can save up to 1% for each degree you set your thermostat back from your “comfort setting,” as long as the temporary settings are at least 8 hours long. This means that, in the winter, turning your heat down 3 degrees while you sleep could save you up to 3% on your natural gas bill without ever feeling the chill. And don’t sweat it in the summer; increasing your home’s temperature while you’re at work could also lead to significant energy savings.

The Perfect Temperature for Dreaming
Exhausted in the morning? You may be too hot or too cold at night. In fact, research shows that temperatures below 54 degrees can actually wake you up from even the deepest of sleep. In the winter, take advantage of your body’s natural need for cooler sleeping temperatures and set your thermostat to 65 degrees. Turn on your ceiling fan when it warms up outside because the ideal thermostat setting for summer is 78 degrees. Now dream about how much you’ll save on your natural gas bill!

What If I Don’t Have a Programmable Thermostat?
A programmable thermostat makes it easier to maintain energy efficient thermostat settings. If you don’t have one, you can save on your energy bills by setting your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower in the winter and 78 degrees or higher in the summer. Once it pays off (and it should!), you might consider buying a programmable thermostat so you can save even more on your gas bill.