An effective thermostat setting falls within specific temperature limits. Thermostats are programmed to produce temperatures in a range suitable for the heating or cooling capacity of the furnace or air conditioner. A thermostat setting outside that range — a setting that is excessively high or low — is not only inefficient and increases operating costs, it exceeds the specifications of the furnace or AC and could potentially damage these units.
Most effective thermostats limit temperature settings both low and high, so it’s not even possible to program extreme settings in most cases. Here’s why thermostat settings above and below these limits are not efficient and can be damaging:
- Maximum furnace thermostat settings are usually limited to 90 degrees. Settings above that limit would generate excessive heat inside the furnace. This could damage the heat exchanger and other critical components, as well as trigger the internal temperature safety sensor that automatically shuts down the furnace to prevent fire hazard.
- Most residential thermostats do not allow air conditioner temperature settings below 60 degrees. A typical central AC has a temperature differential of 20 degrees. The unit can only cool the house down to 20 degrees below the outdoor temperature. Thermostat settings below 60 degrees would cause the AC to run nonstop, imposing excess wear and tear on the unit, overheating and damaging critical components like the compressor, and raising operating costs dramatically.
To maintain optimum system heating and cooling, an effective thermostat setting should be in these ranges:
- In winter, the Department of Energy recommends furnace settings in a range between 68 and 72 degrees. If there are elderly residents in the home, higher temperatures up to 78 degrees may be required.
- During the summer, the air conditioning sweet spot on the thermostat is considered to be 78 degrees. If you’re going to be out of the house all day, leave the AC on but bump the thermostat setting up 8 degrees or so.
For more information about effective thermostat settings for optimum efficiency and safety, contact the heating professionals at Paitson Bros. This year marks our 100th anniversary of HVAC sales and service to Terre Haute homeowners.
Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922