What’s the best thermostat setting to stay warm and save money this fall in NC?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Set thermostat to about 68–70°F awake and lower it when away or asleep.
- Lowering setpoint 7–10°F can cut heating costs about 10% annually, DOE.
- Seal leaks, change filters, use LED bulbs and fans clockwise to save.
As chilly days return to North Carolina, the first reaction may be to nudge the thermostat a little higher. But that cozy boost comes with a price.
North Carolina Electric Cooperatives estimates that heating can eat up as much as half of a home’s energy use, and with fall settling in, that can mean steeper bills ahead.
To keep both your home and your budget comfortable, consider these energy-saving tips.
What is the best thermostat setting to cut costs during fall?
Turning your thermostat down just 7 to 10 degrees from your usual setting can actually save you up to 10% a year on heating costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
“The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be,” the department says. “You can easily save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to around 68°F to 70°F while you’re awake and setting it lower while you’re asleep or away from home.”
Does it cost more money to set back your thermostat?
You might’ve heard that lowering your thermostat means your furnace will have to crank overtime to warm things back up, but experts say that’s not how it works.
“During winter, the lower the interior temperature, the slower the heat loss. So the longer your house remains at the lower temperature, the more energy you save, because your house has lost less energy than it would have at the higher temperature,” the Department of Energy says.
How can you save money during fall?
There are several other ways to save energy and cut costs during the winter, according to Duke Energy:
- Change air filters regularly: Clogged filters make your heating system work harder and use more energy.
- Open blinds on sunny days: Let sunlight help heat your home, and close them at night to keep warmth in.
- Seal air leaks: Caulking and weatherstripping around windows, doors and vents can reduce heating costs by 10-20%.
- Switch to LED bulbs: Replacing your most-used bulbs with LEDs can save up to $480 over their lifespan.
- Run ceiling fans clockwise: This pushes warm air back down into the room.
- Lower your water heater to 120 degrees: It uses a lot of energy, so even a small adjustment can save money
This story was originally published November 10, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "What’s the best thermostat setting to stay warm and save money this fall in NC?."
