uring winter, heating costs make up a large portion of utility bills. The goal is to stay comfortable without overworking your furnace.

Recommended Winter Thermostat Settings:

• 68°F when you’re home and awake
• 60–62°F when sleeping or away

Lowering your thermostat by even a few degrees can reduce heating costs without sacrificing comfort—especially if you use warm clothing and blankets.

Many homeowners worry that turning the temperature down will make their furnace work harder later, but modern systems are designed to heat efficiently without strain when adjusted properly.

Why Overheating Your Home Costs More Than You Think

Setting your thermostat too high doesn’t heat your home faster—it just makes your furnace run longer. In Chicago winters, this leads to:

• Higher gas bills
• Uneven heating
• Increased wear on furnace components

If your home feels cold even at higher settings, the issue may be insulation, airflow, or maintenance—not the thermostat.

Best Thermostat Settings for Chicago Summers

Chicago summers bring heat and humidity, which means your air conditioner has to remove moisture as well as cool the air.

Recommended Summer Thermostat Settings:

• 78°F when you’re home
• 82–85°F when away

This may feel warmer at first, but consistent settings prevent your AC from constantly cycling on and off, which improves efficiency and comfort over time.

Using ceiling fans can also make rooms feel cooler without lowering the thermostat.

Avoid Constant Temperature Changes

One common mistake homeowners make is constantly adjusting the thermostat throughout the day. Frequent manual changes force your HVAC system to work harder and reduce efficiency.

Instead:

• Choose a comfortable baseline temperature
• Make small adjustments (1–2 degrees max)
• Use programmable or smart thermostat schedules

Consistency is key for both comfort and energy savings.

Smart Thermostats: Are They Worth It for Chicago Homes?

Smart thermostats are especially useful in climates like Chicago’s, where heating and cooling demands change frequently.

Benefits include:

• Automatic temperature adjustments
• Energy usage tracking
• Remote control from your phone
• Reduced energy waste

When installed and programmed correctly, smart thermostats can lower energy bills while maintaining comfort. However, they work best when paired with a well-maintained HVAC system.

Thermostat Problems That Mimic HVAC Issues

Sometimes homeowners think their furnace or AC is failing when the real issue is the thermostat. Common thermostat-related problems include:

• Inaccurate temperature readings
• Poor placement near drafts or sunlight
• Outdated or malfunctioning units

If your system runs constantly or doesn’t respond properly, professional inspection can determine whether the issue is the thermostat or the HVAC equipment itself.

How Proper Settings Reduce HVAC Wear and Tear

Every time your HVAC system turns on, components experience stress. Excessive cycling caused by poor thermostat habits increases wear and shortens system lifespan.

Proper thermostat use helps:

• Reduce unnecessary run time
• Prevent overheating or freezing components
• Extend equipment life

This is especially important for Chicago homeowners relying on older systems.

Pair Thermostat Settings with Regular HVAC Maintenance

Even the best thermostat settings won’t help if your system isn’t operating efficiently. Dirty filters, worn parts, and airflow issues can all reduce performance.

At Shad Heating and Cooling, we help Chicago homeowners optimize both thermostat use and system performance through regular residential HVAC maintenance.

Why Chicago Homeowners Trust Shad Heating and Cooling

As a local residential HVAC company, we understand Chicago’s climate and how it affects home comfort. Our approach is simple: honest advice, reliable service, and solutions that make sense for your home.

Homeowners choose us for:

• Local expertise
• Professional residential HVAC service
• Clear recommendations
• Long-term comfort solutions

Small Changes, Big Savings

Adjusting your thermostat correctly is one of the easiest ways to improve comfort and lower energy bills—especially in a climate like Chicago’s. If you’re unsure whether your system or thermostat is working efficiently, Shad Heating and Cooling is here to help.

For dependable residential HVAC service in Chicago, trust a local team that puts your comfort first.