The Thermostat Wars: How to Save Money Without Sacrificing Comfort

While I consider myself to be eco-conscious and often try to reduce my environmental impact, I simply can’t get on board with my mom’s desire to keep her Florida home at a balmy 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Honestly, I feel like I’d fare better in the nearby Everglades among the alligators and box turtles; at the very least, I’d get to work on my tan.

Disputes over indoor temperatures are so common in US homes, offices, hotel rooms, and elsewhere that they’ve been officially dubbed “thermostat wars.” While most people sharing a space can usually settle on a happy medium, these clashes in preferences have sparked full-blown arguments among family members, friends, and even colleagues.

To shed some light on ideal temperatures from sustainability, comfort, and cost-effective standpoints, we consulted the experts: Trevor Schick, president of AIIR Products, an AI-powered HVAC company, and Briana Hallsted, regional director of sales at Level Hotels & Furnished Suites. Both have spent a significant portion of their careers identifying and enforcing best practices when it comes to all things energy.

The ideal indoor temperature for comfort

It would be wonderful to have scientific evidence pinpointing a single “perfect” indoor temperature, but in reality, comfort depends on a mix of personal factors.

“There isn’t a single ideal temperature for comfort,” says Schick, noting that age, activity level, clothing, and environmental conditions such as humidity and airflow all influence what feels best at any given moment.

“Public health guidance tends to focus on minimum safe temperatures rather than defining an optimal comfort point,” he adds. “In practice, comfort is dynamic, not fixed, which is why rigid temperature targets often miss the mark.”

Schick says “intelligent systems recognize this gap,” referencing the use of AI and his own company, which makes continuous adjustments based on activity, occupancy, and seasonality. Rather than expecting people to adjust to one set temperature, Schick says modern systems respond to how spaces are actually used, learning patterns over time and adjusting conditions as needed.

Hallsted echoes these sentiments, recommending layered clothing and fans to create a comfortable environment if such “intelligent systems” aren’t available. She also points to studies from organizations such as the US Department of Energy and ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers), which set the thermal comfort standards used in residential and commercial buildings.

“Most research and building science experts agree that an indoor temperature between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit in winter and 72 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit in summer is considered comfortable for most people,” she says.

Steps to improve efficiency

Eco-conscious homeowners are often most interested in reducing energy consumption to protect the environment and its limited resources. From this position, efficiency isn’t about locking in a single thermostat setting; it’s about minimizing unnecessary heating and cooling while still staying comfortable.

As Schick explains, “The most effective way to do that is to manage a ‘feels like’ temperature, not just the number on the thermostat.”

A “feels like” temperature accounts for all the conditions people actually experience, including airflow, humidity, radiant heat, activity level, and occupancy—not just air temperature alone.

Because of this, two rooms set to the same temperature can feel completely different. Schick notes that “chasing a perfect setpoint often leads to wasted energy without improving comfort,” adding that “the greenest temperature is often the one you don’t maintain at all.”

Instead, he says home and business owners can benefit from intelligent technology that automatically adjusts to changing conditions.

While these systems aren’t always available or affordable for everyone, Hallsted points to general thermostat benchmarks that most households can follow:

• Heating: Around 68 degrees Fahrenheit when home, lower when away or asleep
• Cooling: Around 78 degrees Fahrenheit when home, higher when away

“These are based on energy modeling that shows even a 1- to 2-degree adjustment can significantly reduce emissions and energy demand over time,” she says.

Beyond adjusting the thermostat, experts say meaningful savings come from being more intentional about when and how energy is used. Schick frames this approach as “matching energy use to actual need,” both at the system level and in daily habits. Together, Schick and Hallsted recommend the following:

• Condition rooms only when they’re occupied.
• Accept slightly wider comfort ranges.
• Allow heating and cooling systems to adapt seasonally rather than fighting natural temperature shifts.
• Use smart systems that respond to ambient conditions and occupancy.
• Wash clothes in cold water, and run dishwashers only when full.
• Shorten hot showers to reduce both water and energy use.
• Unplug electronics or use power strips to avoid “phantom” energy draw.
• Choose Energy Star-rated products when replacing appliances or electronics.

How to save money on energy bills

One of the biggest benefits of being mindful about energy use is the potential for real savings on monthly energy bills.

There are practical rules anyone can follow to conserve energy. Hallsted and Schick agree that the most effective strategies come from consistent tweaks rather than drastic changes. Here are their recommendations:

• Let temperatures drift slightly when rooms aren’t in use.
• Make modest adjustments based on time of day or activity, such as using a programmable or smart thermostat when the home is unoccupied.
• Avoid the habit of constantly “correcting” the thermostat.
• Service HVAC systems regularly by cleaning filters and inspecting ducts.
• Seal air leaks and insulate doors and windows to reduce energy loss.
• Take advantage of natural heating and cooling, such as sunlight in winter and shading in summer.
• Use energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting.

Small changes, big differences

Baby steps are key. There’s no need for an all-in approach when it comes to thermostat regulation, which can actually do more harm than good.

“Comfort and sustainability don’t have to be at odds,” stresses Hallsted. “Understanding how your home uses energy and where it’s wasted is the first step toward saving money and reducing environmental impact.”

Schick agrees, noting that “you don’t need to overhaul everything at once.”

“Start with smarter control, make small adjustments, and let the system do the rest,” he says. “That shift, from fixed assumptions to adaptive behavior, is where comfort, efficiency, and sustainability finally align.”