Key takeaways
- Summer: 78 degrees when home, higher when away.
- Winter: 68 degrees when home, lower when away or asleep.
- Each degree closer to outdoor temps saves energy.
- A smart thermostat automates the savings.
The thermostat is the single biggest lever you have over your energy bills. In Sacramento's climate of hot summers and mild winters, a smart settings strategy keeps you comfortable while trimming costs. Here are the numbers to aim for.
Quick answer
In summer, set 78 degrees when home and let it rise to the mid-80s when away. In winter, set 68 degrees when home and lower it when away or asleep. Every degree closer to the outdoor temperature saves energy, and a smart thermostat handles the adjustments automatically.
Summer settings
78 degrees when you are home is the widely recommended balance of comfort and cost. While you are at work, letting it drift to the mid-80s and pre-cooling before you return saves significantly over our long cooling season, see our cooling bill guide.
Winter settings
68 degrees when home is comfortable for most. Drop it a few degrees when you are asleep or away. Because our winters are mild, the heat does not run constantly, so these setbacks add up without much discomfort.
Why each degree matters
The smaller the gap between your indoor setting and the outdoor temperature, the less your system runs. In a 100-degree Sacramento afternoon, even one or two degrees higher indoors noticeably cuts run time.
Let a smart thermostat do it
A smart thermostat learns your schedule, sets back automatically, and pre-conditions the home before you arrive, capturing the savings without you thinking about it. It is one of the highest-return upgrades for our climate.
Want smarter comfort?
Ask us about smart thermostat installation and dialing in your system for our climate.
