The Best Thermostat Settings for Year-Round Comfort

September 15, 2025

The temperature fluctuations of Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, Texas, California, and New Mexico can sometimes make finding the right thermostat settings like a balancing act. You want to stay comfortable, but you also don’t want your energy bills to spike. The good news is that with a little planning—and a few smart habits, courtesy of Carrier Cooling Center—you can achieve both. 

By adjusting your thermostat settings according to the season, you can keep your home comfortable year-round while saving energy and extending the life of your HVAC system.

Why Thermostat Settings Matter

Your thermostat acts as the command center for your heating and cooling system. Even a few degrees of adjustment can make a big difference. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, setting your thermostat back by 7–10 degrees for eight hours a day can save as much as 10% on heating and cooling costs annually. Those small changes add up without sacrificing comfort.

The key is knowing which temperatures work best in each season. Different times of the year bring different challenges, and your thermostat settings should adjust accordingly.

Ideal Thermostat Settings for a Southwestern Summer

Summer brings longer days, higher humidity, and scorching heat across Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, Texas, California, and New Mexico. To keep your home cool without overworking your AC, aim for the following:

  • When you’re home: 76°–78°F is generally a sweet spot. It keeps you cool but avoids the energy drain of pushing your system to hold 72°F during peak heat.
  • When you’re away: Raise the thermostat to around 82°–85°F. Your AC won’t have to work as hard, and you won’t be wasting energy cooling an empty home.

If humidity is a concern in your home, your system may need to run a bit more often to remove moisture. Ceiling fans and portable fans can also help improve airflow and make your home feel cooler, allowing you to keep the thermostat set a few degrees higher.

Best Thermostat Settings for a Southwestern Winter

While energy expenses for heating during winter in states like Arizona, Nevada, Texas, California, and New Mexico aren’t nearly as bad as they are for cooling, energy savings are energy savings!

Setting your thermostat wisely can keep you warm without breaking the bank.

  • When you’re home: 68°–70°F is comfortable for most households. Wearing warmer clothing indoors, like sweaters or slippers, allows you to keep the setting closer to 68°F without discomfort.
  • When you’re away or asleep: Drop the thermostat to around 62°–65°F. Lowering the heat when you don’t need it can save a substantial amount of energy.

If your home feels drafty, sealing gaps around windows and doors will help your heating system work more efficiently and make these settings more comfortable.

Spring and Fall Transition Settings in the Southwest

Spring and fall are those in-between seasons where temperatures fluctuate from chilly mornings to warm afternoons. Your HVAC system may not need to run as frequently, but thermostat management is still important.

  • Aim for comfort ranges: 68°–72°F during the day usually strikes the right balance.
  • Take advantage of nature: Open windows on mild days to improve airflow and reduce reliance on your system.
  • Watch overnight lows: If temperatures dip significantly at night, set your thermostat closer to your winter settings to avoid waking up to a cold house.

These shoulder seasons are also the perfect time to schedule HVAC maintenance. Having your system inspected before summer heat or winter cold arrives ensures it will run efficiently when you need it most.

Thermostat Tips for Year-Round Energy Savings

Beyond just setting the right temperatures, there are strategies that make your thermostat work even harder for you:

  • Invest in a programmable thermostat: This allows you to schedule automatic adjustments for different times of the day, so you’re not heating or cooling an empty home.
  • Consider a smart thermostat: These devices learn your habits, adjust automatically, and can be controlled from your phone. Some even track energy use and suggest changes.
  • Avoid constant adjustments: Setting your thermostat once and letting it run is more efficient than changing it several times a day.
  • Use fans wisely: Ceiling fans in the summer can make it feel up to 4°F cooler, while reversing them in the winter helps push warm air down from the ceiling.
  • Keep your system maintained: Clean filters, serviced ducts, and tuned-up equipment all contribute to efficiency and comfort.

Finding Your Personal Comfort Zone

While energy-saving guidelines provide a great starting point, the “right” thermostat setting also depends on your household’s comfort preferences. A family with young children or elderly relatives may prefer slightly warmer winter settings or cooler summer settings. Someone working from home may prioritize comfort during the day more than someone who is gone most of the time.

Experiment with adjustments in small increments. Try lowering your heat by one degree for a week in the winter or raising your cooling setting by a degree in the summer. Over time, you’ll find the balance that works for both your comfort and your wallet.

When to Call an HVAC Contractor From the Carrier Cooling Center Network

If your home struggles to maintain the thermostat settings you’ve chosen, it could be a sign that your HVAC system needs attention. Common issues include poor airflow, dirty filters, leaking ducts, or an aging unit that can no longer keep up. 

An HVAC technician, like an authorized dealer from Carrier Cooling Center, can assess your system and make recommendations for repairs or upgrades that improve both comfort and efficiency. Our dealers are available in Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, Texas, California, and New Mexico. Find a Dealer near you today.