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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchThere is no single thermostat setting that suits every household. For winter, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests starting around 68–70°F while you are home, then adjusting for comfort; in summer, use the highest temperature that remains comfortable. Your household, home, and HVAC equipment all affect what works best.
Thermostat settings are optional energy-saving guidance, not rules. DOE says to consider household needs, including pets, and to choose a temperature that is comfortable for you.
The Best Thermostat Settings by Season
Use these recommendations as starting points, not guarantees of comfort or savings. Adjust to suit the people and pets in your home and your heating and cooling system.
| Situation | Guidance | Source or consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Winter, home | Start around 68–70°F, then adjust to the lowest temperature that remains comfortable. | U.S. Department of Energy |
| Winter, away or asleep | Consider setting back 7–10°F for at least eight hours a day. | DOE says this can save as much as 10% per year on heating and cooling costs; it is not a guaranteed result. |
| Summer, home | Use the highest temperature that remains comfortable. | U.S. Department of Energy |
| Summer, away | Keep the system running rather than turning it off, and program it to return to your preferred setting before you arrive. | DOE advises this to help avoid moisture buildup that could produce mold. |
Winter Heating: Start With Comfort
DOE’s suggested winter starting range is 68–70°F while you are home. It recommends adjusting from there as needed; the range is not a universal comfort standard. Household preferences and needs, including those of pets, matter.
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- 【Notice】Please make sure to read the installation and wiring instructions provided in the pictures carefully before buying. If you are inexperienced with installation, it is advised to be cautious when making a purchase to avoid issues like product failure or incompatibility. (Verify the existing base to ensure only 2 to 5 wires are compatible for installation and wiring).
- 【Thermostat Applications 1H/1C】for with Conventional Single-Stage Heating & Air Conditioning, up to 1 Heat and 1 Cool. Gas/Oil/Electric Furnace (Heat only), Boiler Radiant (Heat only), Furnace Forced-Air (Heat Only), Gas Fireplace (24 Volts), Cooling Only, Only 1H/1C Heat Pump (without aux) Systems.
- 【Incompatible Systems】Does not work multistage systems (1H/2C, 2H/2C), HVAC heat pump systems (2H/1C, 4H/2C), PTACs, 3-wire hydronic (hot water), dual fuel/hybrid heating. Does not work line voltage systems (120-240V electric baseboards heat); mini split heat pump air conditioner, RV air conditioners mach and roughneck series.
- Suuwer S705 5-1-1 day programmable thermostat 1 Heat/ 1 Cool. Separate programs for the weekdays and weekends with 4 program periods per day including wake, leave, return and sleep.
- 【Technical support】 Separate heat or cool swing set up (0.2°F to 2°F) and 5 minute compressor delay protection (Selectable ON or OFF). Digital thermostat has a built-in battery change and filter change reminders (Set 50-2000 hours)
Setbacks when you are away or asleep
DOE recommends setting the temperature back 7–10°F for at least eight hours daily. It says this can save as much as 10% per year on heating and cooling costs. Actual savings vary, so treat that figure as a possible maximum rather than a promise.
Choose settings that remain suitable for your household and home. If you are uncertain about the needs of a person, pet, or heating system, prioritize their safety and comfort rather than pursuing a setback.
Summer Cooling: Use the Highest Comfortable Setting
DOE advises setting the thermostat to the highest temperature that remains comfortable. There is no single summer number that works for every home or household.
Rank #2
- PRIVACY PROTECTION*: Sensi won’t sell your personal information to third parties
- EASY DIY INSTALLATION: Use the built-in level and step-by-step app instructions for a quick installation. Works with HVAC equipment found in most homes. Common wire (c-wire) is not required in most applications
- SAVE ABOUT 23% ON HVAC ENERGY*: The ENERGY STAR-certified Sensi smart thermostat can help you save energy with features like flexible scheduling, remote access and usage reports
- SIMPLE CONFIGURATION: Looks and feels like a thermostat. Has buttons and fits the same space as a traditional thermostat so you don’t have to patch and paint your walls
- SMART MAINTENANCE: Sensi can help monitor the performance and efficiency of your HVAC system by delivering valuable usage reports, alerts about your equipment, and maintenance reminders like filter replacement
When you are away, DOE recommends keeping the system running to avoid moisture buildup that could produce mold. You can program the thermostat to return to your preferred setting before you arrive home.
Choosing a Thermostat
A thermostat can help manage schedules and setbacks, but it is not necessary for everyone. Before buying one, check that it works with your existing heating and cooling system. Some variable-capacity heat pumps and air conditioners perform best with a thermostat recommended by their manufacturer, whether or not that thermostat is ENERGY STAR certified.
| Thermostat type | Scheduling and control | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Manual | Settings are adjusted by hand. | Confirm compatibility with your HVAC system. |
| Programmable | Can schedule temperature changes, including setbacks. | Check system compatibility and whether the schedule suits your routine. |
| Smart | Depending on the model, may offer scheduling, learning, remote control, or geofencing. | Check compatibility, power requirements, Wi-Fi coverage, and whether the manufacturer recommends a particular controller. |
ENERGY STAR reports that certified smart thermostats save approximately 8% of heating and cooling bills on average, or about $50 per year. ENERGY STAR notes that savings vary with climate, comfort preferences, occupancy, and HVAC equipment. This is an average, not a guarantee for an individual home.
Rank #3
- · High Compatibility: Forced air (gas, oil or electric), Electric furnace, Hot water steam or gravity radiant heat, Heat only systems, Heat pump w/o auxiliary or emergency heat, Millivolt, Gas fireplaces (24V), Floor or wall furnaces, Cool only systems.(TIP: Before purchasing, check to see if this thermostat is compatible with your system.)
- · Not Compatible: Heat pump with auxiliary or emergency heat, Dual fuel/hybrid heating, Electric baseboard heat (110-240 volts), Line voltage, Convectors, Radiant-ceiling heat, Mini split systems and 12V RV systems.
- · Easy to Install and Use: Large terminal blocks with universal sub-base, can be installed within 30 minutes, Large, clear, easy-to-read backlight LCD display and easy controls make for a user-friendly experience.
- · Factory Pre-set Energy-efficiency Program: 7-day, 5/1/1 easy-to-understand programming menus, flexible programming lets you sync your comfort with your schedule.
- · Reliability: Made by professional manufacturer and backed by over 20 years of experience, the customer service is 7*24 hrs available.
ENERGY STAR certification uses program criteria based on heating and cooling runtime data; those criteria are not a promise of a particular household’s bill savings. Some local utility programs offer incentives, but availability and eligibility depend on your location and current program terms. Check with your utility before relying on a rebate.
Comfort Problems the Thermostat Cannot Fix
A thermostat controls the system based on the temperature it senses where it is installed. If a room consistently feels different from the rest of the home, check whether the thermostat is in a representative location and whether the system is suitable for the home. For variable-capacity equipment, consult the manufacturer’s compatibility recommendations before changing controllers.
A Practical Thermostat Plan for Most Homes
- In winter, start around 68–70°F while home and adjust to a comfortable setting.
- If it suits your household, try a 7–10°F setback for at least eight hours a day. DOE says this can save as much as 10% annually, but actual results vary.
- In summer, choose the highest temperature that remains comfortable. Keep the system running while away and schedule it to return to your preferred setting before you arrive.
- Before buying or replacing a thermostat, verify HVAC compatibility, especially for variable-capacity equipment.
- If considering a smart thermostat, compare scheduling and control features, power and Wi-Fi requirements, certification, and any manufacturer recommendations. Check local utility incentives directly.
FAQ
What temperature should I set my thermostat to in winter?
DOE suggests starting around 68–70°F while you are home, then adjusting for comfort. This is guidance, not a universal rule.
Rank #4
- Simple Manual Operation: Heagstat H705 1 Heat/1 Cool, 5-1-1Day Programmable Thermostat (Separate programs for the weekdays and weekends with 4 program periods per day including wake, leave, return and sleep). The user-friendly design is easy to operate for people of all ages
- System Compatibility: Works with conventional single-stage systems, including Forced air (gas, oil, or electric) & Ventilation & Air Conditioning. It supports up to 1 heating stage and 1 cooling stage. Please confirm your home HVAC system type before purchase to ensure full compatibility
- System Limitations: This unit does NOT work with multi-stage systems and heat pump systems (2H/1C, 2H/2C, 3H/2C, 4H/2C: Multi-Stage Heating & Cooling), PTAC units (Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners), 3-wire hydronic hot water heating systems, dual fuel/hybrid heating systems, 120-240V line voltage systems and electric baseboard heaters, mini-split heat pump air conditioners, and RV air conditioners (Mach/Roughneck series)
- No C-Wire Required Design: Dual power supply design runs on 24VAC hardwired power or 2 AAA batteries (batteries not included). Equipped with standard RH, RC, W, Y, G and C terminals. Wire Specs: Use 18-22 gauge thermostat wire. Shielded wire is not required. Easy DIY installation without professional help. It does not support W2, Y2, O/B, E, L, AUX, ACC+, ACC-, S, X and X2 terminals
- Clear & Easy-to-Read Display: Minimalist off-white body matches most home interior styles. The 4.5 sq inch backlit LCD screen delivers clear visibility under all lighting conditions. Compact dimension: 0.98 inches D x 4.72 inches W x 3.86 inches H, allowing flexible wall mounting
How much should I turn down the thermostat when I am away?
DOE recommends a 7–10°F setback for at least eight hours daily. It says this can save as much as 10% per year on heating and cooling costs, but savings are not guaranteed.
Should I turn off the air conditioning when I leave home?
DOE’s summer guidance says to keep the system running while away to avoid moisture buildup that could produce mold. Program it to return to your preferred setting before you arrive.
How much can a certified smart thermostat save?
ENERGY STAR reports approximately 8% average savings on heating and cooling bills, or about $50 per year. Results vary with climate, comfort preferences, occupancy, and HVAC equipment.
Best Value
- An Alexa thermostat - Amazon Smart Thermostat is an easy way to switch from a traditional thermostats for homes and help reduce energy usage.
- Create comfort zones throughout your home by connecting to select Alexa devices to automatically adjust heating and cooling based on temperature readings or presence detection.
- Save money and energy - After purchase, Amazon will send you an email with details about home thermostat rebates that may be available from energy providers in your area.
- Save energy - According to EPA estimates, ENERGY STAR certified thermostats save an average of $90 on yearly energy bills.
- Programmable thermostat and automatic control - Create your own home, away and sleep schedules, or have Alexa automatically control the temperature with Alexa+ advanced features.
Will any thermostat work with my heat pump or air conditioner?
No. Check compatibility before buying. ENERGY STAR notes that variable-capacity heat pumps and air conditioners generally perform best with a manufacturer-recommended thermostat, certified or not.
Are smart thermostat rebates available everywhere?
No. Some local utility programs offer incentives, but availability and terms depend on your location and the current program. Verify details with your utility.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
