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What are Smart Thermostats? How To Program Your Thermostat for Max Efficiency
HVAC tips, maintenance advice, and energy-efficient solutions from LA Heating & Air Conditioning.
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October 28, 2026
Programming your thermostat can seem like a daunting task that can result in programming mistakes or avoiding programming altogether. A quick internet search can result in a variety of recommended thermostat settings and guidelines for the best indoor temperatures for each season. With all of that conflicting information out there, it can be difficult to determine what temperature will help you lower your electricity bills while also maintaining comfort in your home. But it doesn’t have to be difficult, and it is worth doing. The US Department of Energy says setting your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit from its normal setting for 8 hours a day can help you save at least 10% a year on heating and cooling costs.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Each Season
Thermostat settings for both comfort and energy savings are important to every homeowner. A trusted source of information about thermostat settings is the US Department of Energy. The Department of Energy suggests the following as an energy saving rule of thumb for the different seasons.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
The challenge during the summer is to find the temperature that helps you stay comfortable, save energy, and save money. During the summer when you are home set your thermostat to 78 °F. It may be warmer than you are used to, but it helps reduce the cost of your energy bill significantly. When you are away from home for more than 2 hours program it to be warmer than usual around 85-88°F. For every degree higher over 78°F you set your thermostat, you could potentially save 6-8% off your energy bill. If you find your AC struggles to reach the set temperature contact us for maintenance or AC repair services.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Winter
In the winter, setting the thermostat to 68°F is the recommended temperature to save energy and keep your costs low. For the hours you are away from home or asleep lower by 10-15 degrees. According to energy.gov reports this can help you see an energy usage reduction of 5-15% per year on your bill. If your furnace is struggling to keep up with the set temperature you may be over due for maintenance. You most certainly want to avoid overworking your furnace to help prevent costly repair or complete furnace replacement.
Choosing the Right Thermostat - Why Smart Thermostats
The first step in optimizing your home’s thermostat settings for both comfort and energy savings is to invest in a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats usually use either daily or weekday/weekend schedules. The Department of Energy suggests choosing the thermostat that best suits your scheduling needs so you can set it and forget it. A programmable thermostat can help by automating the process, so you can set the times and temperature settings without ever having to think about it again. A programmable thermostat is especially helpful if you have the same schedule every day. For example, if you work regular hours away from home, you can program your thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature during the day when no one is there and to return to a comfortable temperature before you arrive. This ensures your home is always at the right temperature when you need it to be.
Newer higher – tech models have simplified the process by creating wi-fi enabled thermostats. By upgrading to a wi-fi enabled thermostat, you can control your home’s temperature even when away from home. This is especially helpful, if your plans change or forget to change the program when going on vacation you can simply change the temperature from wherever you happen to be.
Remote Access
Most smart thermostats will also allow connectivity to the devices over a wi-fi network. They will come with an app you can download on your cell phone. This means you have the capability to control your home’s temperature even when you are away from home or even from the comfort of your own bed or couch. This is a useful feature if you ever forgot to set the thermostat before going to work or on vacation. In addition to remote access, the app will also allow you to create schedules for your heating and cooling needs.
Energy Usage Reports
Many smart thermostats provide detailed energy usage reports, allowing you to monitor your consumption patterns. These reports can highlight periods of high energy use, helping you identify opportunities for further savings. By understanding when and how your AC system is consuming the most energy, you can make informed decisions to adjust your settings and reduce your overall consumption.
Remote Access and Control via App
Smart thermostats are typically connected to Wi-Fi, enabling remote access via smartphone apps. This means you can control your thermostat from anywhere with an internet connection. Forgot to adjust the temperature before leaving for a vacation? No problem. Simply open the app and make the necessary changes. This level of control ensures that your AC system isn’t running unnecessarily, thereby cutting down on wasted energy and lowering your bill.
Seamless Integration with Furnaces
One of the primary advantages of smart thermostats lies in their seamless integration with furnaces, forming a dynamic duo that optimizes home heating efficiency. By establishing communication with the furnace's control system, smart thermostats facilitate precise temperature regulation and scheduling. This integration empowers homeowners with features such as remote temperature monitoring, adaptive learning capabilities, and energy-saving modes, culminating in a synergistic approach to enhancing comfort and reducing energy consumption.
Install Ceiling Fans to Save More
Installing energy efficiency ceiling fans while also adjusting your thermostat is a great way to use less energy. During the summer ensure blades push air down into room to create a wind-chill effect. When fans are running you can raise your thermostat by 3-4 °F. This works when you are in the room, so you should turn off fans when you leave.
In the winter, run the blades in reverse to take hot air from the top of the room and circulate it down. The fans help keep the entire room at a more consistent temperature and help lower the need for your furnace to run. Just like during summer, it is important to not let your fans run continuously and shut them off when you are not in the room.
Incentives and Rebates
Many utility companies offer incentives and rebates for installing energy-efficient devices like smart thermostats. These programs can help offset the initial cost of the thermostat, making it a more attractive investment. Additionally, by reducing your overall energy consumption, you may qualify for further savings on your energy bill through efficiency programs. As of October 2026, LADWP offers two incentives for smart thermostats to residential electric customers, and you apply directly with LADWP. The LADWP Efficient Product Marketplace pays a rebate of up to $75 on an ENERGY STAR smart thermostat (limit 2 per household every 5 years, never more than the purchase price). LADWP's Power Savers program pays a $55 prepaid card when you enroll an eligible smart thermostat connected to your central air conditioning, plus up to $90 a year based on how many summer energy-saving events you take part in, for a total of up to $145. LADWP can change amounts and dates each season, so check ladwp.com before you buy. Once you have your smart thermostat, we can install it for you for $140 (dependent on all 5 wires being present). Call us today to schedule your installation!
Contact LA Heating and Air
Although these slight temperature adjustments may seem minor, over time they can result in noticeable energy savings. An easy step you can take in summer and winter is to schedule routine HVAC maintenance. A professional will be able to spot any potential minor issues that may be causing your system to overwork or before they become costly repairs. Give us a call today or contact us online to schedule maintenance, repair or replacement.
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