For most homes in fall, a good starting point is around 68°F (20°C) when you’re home and awake, then a bit cooler when you’re asleep or away to save on energy bills.

Ideal fall thermostat range

  • Daytime, at home: Aim for 68–70°F (20–21°C); this balances comfort and energy efficiency for most people wearing light layers or a sweater.
  • Nighttime / when away: Dropping to about 62–65°F (17–18°C) works well for sleep and can noticeably cut heating costs.
  • Long trips (2+ days): Many guides suggest 55–60°F (13–15°C) to prevent issues like frozen pipes in colder regions while still saving energy.

An often-cited “magic number” for fall is 68°F, since it keeps most homes comfortable while reducing energy use compared with higher settings.

Why these temperatures work

  • Heating systems run less often at 68°F than, say, 72–74°F, which can reduce heating bills by a few percent for each degree you turn down.
  • Cooler settings at night (around 62–65°F) typically feel fine under blankets and may even support better sleep quality for many people.

How to fine‑tune for your home

  • If your home is drafty or poorly insulated , you might feel more comfortable at the higher end of the range (69–70°F) and focus on sealing leaks to cut costs.
  • In a well‑insulated or smaller space , you may be comfortable and efficient at 67–68°F or even slightly lower once your body adjusts to fall temperatures.
  • Smart or programmable thermostats help by automatically lowering the temperature at night or when you’re out, so you don’t have to remember to adjust it.

Simple fall schedule example

  • 6:00–9:00 a.m. (getting ready): 68–70°F.
  • 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (away at work): 62–65°F.
  • 5:00–10:30 p.m. (evening at home): 68–70°F.
  • 10:30 p.m.–6:00 a.m. (sleep): 62–65°F.

Adjust up or down a degree or two for comfort, but if you stay near these ranges in fall, you’ll usually stay cozy and keep your heating costs under control.

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