Choosing the right thermostat settings isn’t just about comfort—it’s about energy efficiency, lower utility bills, and maximizing the performance of your HVAC system. In Los Angeles, with its mild winters and hot, dry summers, knowing how to set your thermostat throughout the year can mean the difference between comfort and wasted energy. Smart thermostat management extends system life, saves money, and keeps your home comfortable in every season.

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TLDR – Quick Guide

• Set your thermostat to 78°F (26°C) in summer when home, 85°F (29°C) when away.
• Set to 68°F (20°C) in winter when home, 62°F (17°C) when away or asleep.
• Use programmable or smart thermostats for automatic adjustments.
• Avoid drastic temperature swings to prevent overworking your system.
• Regularly check and update your thermostat schedule for changing weather.
  

Implementation Tactics

1. Understand Los Angeles Climate Patterns
LA summers are hot and dry, while winters are mild and short. This means your HVAC system runs hardest during summer. Set cooling temperatures higher when away to minimize energy use and lower them only when you’re home.

2. Summer Settings for Maximum Comfort and Savings
The Department of Energy recommends keeping your thermostat at 78°F when you’re home and awake. Increase the setting to 85°F when you’re away. Use ceiling fans to feel cooler without lowering the thermostat further. Avoid setting the thermostat much lower than 78°F—a lower setting won’t cool your home faster and only wastes energy.

3. Winter Settings for Efficient Heating
Set your thermostat to 68°F while at home and awake. Lower it to 62°F when you’re asleep or away. Layer clothing and use extra blankets to stay comfortable at lower temperatures, reducing heating costs.

4. Take Advantage of Programmable or Smart Thermostats
Install a programmable or smart thermostat to automate temperature adjustments based on your schedule. Many models allow you to create multiple schedules—weekdays, weekends, vacations. Some smart thermostats can even adapt to your lifestyle, weather conditions, and occupancy, providing remote access and alerts via smartphone.

5. Avoid Common Mistakes

• Don’t constantly adjust your thermostat—set it and let your system work.
  
• Avoid turning your HVAC off entirely when leaving for a short period; instead, raise or lower the temperature several degrees.
  
• Don’t ignore filter changes and system maintenance, as dirty filters force your HVAC to work harder regardless of thermostat settings.
  

6. Seasonal Schedule Updates
Review and update your thermostat schedule at the start of each season. Los Angeles can experience sudden temperature changes; keep your system optimized by adjusting for weather, daylight hours, and your household’s routine.

Key Takeaways

• Maintain 78°F in summer and 68°F in winter for optimal comfort and savings.
• Use programmable or smart thermostats to automate adjustments and avoid manual errors.
• Avoid drastic temperature swings and unnecessary system cycling.
• Regularly review and adjust thermostat schedules for seasonal changes.
• Proper thermostat management can extend the life of your HVAC system and lower energy bills.
  

FAQs