What temperature should I set my thermostat to?

Pick a comfortable occupied setpoint and save by setting back while asleep or away. Consistency and scheduling matter more than the exact number.

Last reviewed 2026-07-15

Savings come from reduced run time, which is produced by setback periods rather than by a heroic occupied setting. A modest setback for eight hours a day generally outperforms a small permanent change.

Heat pumps behave differently. Deep setbacks can trigger auxiliary electric heat during recovery, which can cost more than it saves. Use a smaller setback or a control designed for heat pump recovery.

What to check first

Whether your system is a heat pump, and how it handles recovery
That the schedule matches when the home is actually occupied
That the thermostat is not mounted in direct sun or near a supply register
Whether humidity, not temperature, is driving discomfort in summer

When to call a professional

The measured room temperature differs substantially from the thermostat reading
The system cannot maintain setpoint in normal conditions