Recommended Thermostat Settings For Summer and Winter In San Diego

Living in San Diego or other parts of Southern California means enjoying some of the most enviable weather in the country. With its mild winters and sun-soaked summers, you may not think much about your thermostat settings, but optimizing your indoor temperature can improve comfort, energy efficiency, and reduce energy bills. Whether you’re trying to stay cool in the summer or cozy in the winter, having the right settings on your thermostat can make a world of difference, especially if you use a smart or programmable thermostat.

San Diego summers are warm, with average daytime highs in the mid-70s to 80s°F. This may not seem excessively hot, but if your home gets direct sunlight, it can feel warmer indoors, making air conditioning necessary to maintain comfort. Here’s how you can manage your indoor temperature during the summer while keeping energy bills in check.

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home during the summer. This temperature strikes a balance between comfort and energy efficiency. It keeps your home cool enough to avoid excessive sweating or discomfort while ensuring your air conditioner doesn’t work overtime, which can drive up your energy costs.

If you find 78°F a bit too warm, you can lower the temperature slightly, but keep in mind that every degree lower can increase your cooling costs by around 3-5%. For those who are particularly sensitive to heat, using fans in combination with your air conditioner can help circulate cool air, allowing you to feel more comfortable at a higher thermostat setting.

Using a programmable thermostat or a smart thermostat can help you save on energy costs by adjusting the temperature when you’re not home. A programmable thermostat allows you to set specific temperature schedules based on your daily routine. For example, you can program it to raise the indoor temperature to 85°F when you’re away and bring it back down to 78°F before you return. This way, your air conditioner won’t work unnecessarily when the house is empty.

Smart thermostats go a step further by learning your habits and making automatic adjustments. They can detect when you’re not home and adjust the temperature accordingly, optimizing both comfort and energy efficiency. Many models also allow for remote control via smartphone apps, so if you’re out longer than expected, you can adjust the temperature from anywhere, ensuring energy isn’t wasted.

Winter in San Diego is mild compared to most of the U.S., with average lows ranging from the upper 40s°F to low 50s°F. While you may not need to crank up the heat like in colder regions, heating your home during these cooler months is still important for comfort, especially at night.

Ideal Indoor Temperature for Winter

For the winter months, the Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 68°F when you’re home. This temperature is generally comfortable for most people when they’re awake and active. For additional warmth, you can layer up with sweaters or use blankets rather than increasing the thermostat, which can help reduce heating costs.

When you’re asleep or away from home, consider lowering the thermostat to 60-62°F. Heating your home while no one is present wastes energy and drives up your bills unnecessarily. A cooler sleeping environment is also recommended for better sleep quality.

Just like in the summer, a programmable thermostat can help regulate your heating schedule. Set your thermostat to lower the indoor temperature when you’re at work and to gradually increase it before you return home. This ensures you’re not paying to heat an empty house.

With smart thermostats, you can automate this process even further. Many models have energy-saving modes for winter and can adjust the temperature based on weather patterns. For example, on particularly mild winter days, your smart thermostat may automatically lower the heat to prevent unnecessary energy use, helping you maintain energy efficiency effortlessly.

Aside from adjusting your thermostat, there are several steps you can take to improve your home’s energy efficiency year-round, leading to lower energy bills and a more comfortable living environment.

Good insulation is key to maintaining indoor temperature. Properly insulating your home can reduce the amount of time your HVAC system needs to run, whether it’s heating or cooling. Seal any drafts around windows and doors, and consider upgrading to double-pane windows to improve thermal efficiency.

Ceiling fans can be a great complement to your thermostat settings. In the summer, running ceiling fans allows you to feel cooler at higher thermostat settings, reducing your reliance on air conditioning. During the winter, set ceiling fans to spin clockwise at a low speed, which helps circulate warm air that rises to the ceiling back down to the living area.

Smart thermostats often come with features that allow you to monitor your energy usage and make adjustments. They provide insights into how much energy your heating and cooling systems use and suggest ways to reduce consumption. Some even integrate with weather forecasts, adjusting your home’s temperature automatically based on outdoor conditions.

In a city with such pleasant weather as San Diego, it’s easy to overlook the importance of proper thermostat settings. However, optimizing your indoor temperature for both summer and winter can enhance your comfort and significantly reduce your energy bills. Whether you’re using a programmable thermostat or a smart thermostat, making small adjustments to your heating and cooling habits can have a big impact on both your wallet and the environment.

Overall, if you have any questions about your thermostat and want to find the best way to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, Same Day is here to help. Contact us today and any of our technicians are happy to help!