If you’re constantly adjusting your thermostat but still feeling too hot or too cold—or seeing high utility bills—you may not be using the most optimal thermostat settings for your home. At Riverside Comfort Care, we help homeowners across Fort Smith, Greenwood, and Van Buren strike the perfect balance between comfort and efficiency.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through ideal thermostat settings for every season, plus energy-saving tips and the benefits of upgrading to a smart thermostat.
Best Thermostat Settings for Summer in Arkansas
Arkansas summers are hot and humid, so keeping your home cool without skyrocketing your energy bill is a top priority.
- Recommended setting when home: 78°F (25.5°C)
- Recommended setting when away: 85°F (29.5°C)
- Ceiling fans: Use them to circulate cool air without changing the thermostat
Set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible when you’re home. Every degree higher can save about 3% on your cooling bill. Learn more from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Summer Settings Guide.
Best Thermostat Settings for Winter in Arkansas
During the winter, Fort Smith and surrounding areas experience chilly mornings and cool nights. Here’s what we recommend:
- Recommended setting when home: 68°F (20°C)
- Recommended setting when away or asleep: 60–65°F (15.5–18°C)
Lowering your thermostat 7–10°F for 8 hours a day can save you up to 10% annually on heating costs. ENERGY STAR’s Heating Efficiency Guide offers great tips for colder months.
How to Adjust for Comfort Without Wasting Energy
Making large temperature swings or constantly adjusting your thermostat can lead to inefficiency. Instead, try this:
- Use programmable thermostats to pre-set temperatures
- Layer your clothing indoors instead of raising heat
- Use blackout curtains in summer and insulated curtains in winter
- Avoid blocking vents and replace filters regularly
A steady, controlled setting throughout the day helps your HVAC system operate more efficiently and extends its lifespan. Find more advice on maintaining indoor comfort from ASHRAE.
Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat for Maximum Control
Smart thermostats offer convenience, savings, and comfort. Riverside Comfort Care installs and configures top models that let you:
- Control temps from your phone
- Set different zones or schedules
- Learn your habits and adjust automatically
- Get reminders for maintenance or filter changes
Some of the most popular models include Nest, Ecobee, and Honeywell. Pairing these with your Friedrich Breeze Universal Heat Pump makes for a fully optimized HVAC system.
To explore smart thermostat options, visit Consumer Reports Smart Thermostat Ratings.
What About Heat Pumps and Thermostat Settings?
If your home uses a heat pump, avoid setting your thermostat back more than 2–3 degrees in heating mode. Large setbacks can trigger the less efficient backup heat (often electric resistance heating), which increases energy use.
Talk to our team at Riverside Comfort Care about how to fine-tune your thermostat if you’re using a dual-fuel or heat pump setup.
Benefits of Maintaining Optimal Thermostat Settings
- 💰 Lower energy bills
- 🌱 Reduced environmental impact
- 😌 More consistent indoor comfort
- 🔧 Less wear and tear on your HVAC system
- 📈 Improved home resale value with smart HVAC upgrades
You can also check out Entergy Arkansas Rebate Programs for potential savings when upgrading your thermostat.
Need Help Choosing or Installing a Thermostat?
Our team can recommend the best thermostat for your home, budget, and comfort preferences. Whether you’re in Fort Smith, Van Buren, or Greenwood, we offer quick, expert installation with system calibration.
Helpful Resources:
- ENERGY STAR Thermostat Guidelines
- U.S. Department of Energy: Thermostat Settings
- ASHRAE HVAC Standards
- Consumer Reports Best Smart Thermostats
- Entergy Arkansas Rebates
Contact Riverside Comfort Care for Thermostat Installation or HVAC Service
📞 Call us at (479) 123-4567
🌐 Or book online
Find your perfect balance of comfort and energy savings. Trust Riverside Comfort Care for optimal thermostat solutions across the Arkansas River Valley.
