From Cincinnati’s humid summers to biting winter days, your thermostat settings for summer and winter are largely guided by personal preference. But what about those in-between days? You know, the sweater in the morning, sweating by the afternoon type of days. Striking the right balance between comfort and efficiency is key to saving on heating and cooling bills and extending the life of your system.
How Do HVAC Settings Affect Energy Savings?
Your thermostat = the key to a comfortable home. But it can also be a teacher for how to save on your heating and cooling bills. Even small changes in settings can have a big impact on your monthly utility costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by adjusting your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day.
When your HVAC system runs less often, it not only saves energy but also experiences less wear and tear. That means fewer repairs and a longer lifespan — all without sacrificing comfort.
Best Thermostat Settings by Season in Cincinnati
Cincinnati homeowners know that our weather can be unpredictable, with sticky, hot summers followed by freezing winters – and plenty of fairweather forecasts in between. Adjusting your thermostat with the seasons is key to comfort and cost savings.
Summer
- Set to 76–78°F when home: This keeps you cool without overworking your AC.
- Increase a few degrees when away: Raising the temperature while you’re out prevents wasted energy.
- Use ceiling fans: They help circulate cool air so your home feels comfortable at a higher setting.
Winter
- Set to 68°F when home: This temperature strikes a balance between warmth and efficiency.
- Lower at night or when away: Dropping the thermostat by 7-10 degrees while sleeping or gone during the day can significantly reduce heating costs.
- Layer up: Cozy blankets and warm clothing help you stay comfortable without cranking the heat.
Spring & Fall
- Take advantage of mild weather: Open windows and let in fresh air instead of running your HVAC system.
- Schedule preventive maintenance: Spring and fall are the best times to have your system inspected and tuned up before extreme weather hits. Our Maintain & Save Club ensures you receive regular maintenance for a healthy unit and happy home all year long.
How Smart Thermostats Help Save Energy
Want to take the guesswork out of figuring out the best HVAC settings for energy savings? Installing a smart thermostat allows your system to learn your household patterns and automatically adjust settings when you’re asleep or away. Many can be controlled from your smartphone, so you never waste energy heating or cooling an empty house.
In Cincinnati, a smart thermostat ensures your system is only working when it needs to — helping lower bills and keeping your home comfortable year-round.
When to Call an HVAC Professional
Even with the right thermostat settings, your system needs regular care to run efficiently. Call a trusted HVAC professional if you notice:
- Uneven temperatures throughout your home
- Unusually high energy bills
- Strange noises or odors from your system
- Weak airflow or inconsistent performance
Routine maintenance like filter changes, inspections, and tune-ups keep your system running at its best. Plumb Tite offers no-fee service calls and flexible scheduling to make it easy to stay on top of HVAC care.
Stay Comfortable and Save Money Year-Round With Plumb Tite
Finding the best HVAC settings for energy savings is just one part of lowering your utility bills. Pairing smart thermostat use with regular maintenance ensures your system runs efficiently in every season.
At Plumb Tite, our family-owned team has been helping Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky homeowners save money and stay comfortable for years, with a trusted team of licensed professionals and transparent, upfront pricing. From HVAC tune-ups to repairs and installations, we’re here to keep your home running smoothly.
Call Plumb Tite today or join our Maintain & Save Club for year-round peace of mind and energy savings.