For most homes, a good starting point is around 68–72°F (20–22°C) when you’re awake and at home, a bit cooler in winter at night, and around 78°F (25–26°C) for summer cooling.

Key thermostat guidelines

  • In winter, many energy and HVAC sources suggest about 68°F when you’re home and awake for a balance of comfort and energy savings.
  • You can lower it several degrees (for example to 63–65°F) while you sleep or are away to cut heating costs.
  • In summer, around 78°F is often recommended for cooling when you’re home, then several degrees warmer (mid‑80s°F) when you’re away to save energy.
  • A general comfort band for many people is roughly 68–72°F indoors, adjusted up or down 1–2°F until it feels right for you.

Think of these numbers as a “default profile”: start there, then nudge your thermostat by 1–2 degrees at a time until your home feels comfortable without shocking your energy bill.

Quick seasonal cheat sheet

  • Winter, home & awake: ~68°F.
  • Winter, sleeping/away: low–mid 60s°F.
  • Summer, home & awake: ~78°F.
  • Summer, away: mid‑80s°F.

If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, you can schedule these changes automatically through the day to stay comfortable and reduce energy use.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.