What’s the best thermostat setting for spring?

As the weather warms and the days get longer, you may find yourself focusing more on enjoying the pleasant weather and less on setting the perfect thermostat temperature for spring. However, adjusting your indoor HVAC system for the season is key to staying comfortable and saving money, especially when temperatures can fluctuate dramatically from day to night and even from one day to the next.

“With the wide temperature variations in spring, adjusting your thermostat can be tricky,” explains Traci Fournier, Vice President of Operations at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning. “It’s crucial to find the right setting for your home during this time to keep your family comfortable, avoid overloading your HVAC system, and work towards lowering your energy bills.”

So, what’s the perfect indoor temperature for spring? Let’s take a closer look.

What’s the Best Thermostat Setting for Spring?

The HVAC experts we consulted both agreed that an indoor thermostat setting between 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day is optimal for spring. This temperature is comfortable—not too hot, not too cold—and helps prevent your HVAC system from overworking.

“If you can, a thermostat that allows for simultaneous heating and cooling is ideal. This will help maintain a steady indoor temperature without overburdening either your heating or cooling system,” explains Colin Young, an HVAC expert with HVAC Gnome in Westminster, Colorado.

The Optimal Nighttime Thermostat Setting for Spring

At night, it’s a good idea to lower your thermostat. Aim for a temperature between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on your household’s preferences. This range will keep you comfortable and promote better sleep while avoiding sharp temperature shifts from day to night and back.

“If you try to sleep outside of this temperature range, it can be difficult to fall or stay asleep,” says Fournier. “Our bodies naturally lower their core temperature as part of the process of winding down, and this is hard to achieve in a room that’s too warm.”

On the other hand, if the room is too cold, your body will have to work harder to stay warm, which can also disrupt sleep. In short: You don’t need to go to extremes with your thermostat settings at night during spring—just stay comfortable!

Should You Adjust The Thermostat While You’re Away?

There are varying opinions on whether you should adjust your indoor temperature—or even turn off your HVAC completely—when you're not home. However, our experts agree that it's best to avoid drastic temperature changes in a short period (less than eight hours). For short absences like work or an overnight trip, it's generally better to leave your thermostat unchanged.

“Your HVAC system will work much harder to raise the temperature from 55 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit than if it had just maintained 70 degrees all day,” explains Young. “This is especially true if your home is well-insulated and windows are closed while you’re away.”

However, if you're going to be away for several days or more—without anyone at home—you can adjust the thermostat. In colder weather, he suggests setting it between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent freezing temperatures that could damage your pipes. In warmer weather, you can set the AC to about five degrees higher than your usual temperature.

5 Energy-Saving Tips for Spring

Don't want to deal with a high electric bill? Here are a few tips to help lower your energy costs and keep your HVAC system running smoothly.

Inspect Seals & Insulation

Double-check that all windows and doors are properly sealed, advises Young. Additionally, ensure your home’s insulation and R-values are up to par to keep the temperature consistent.

Improve Airflow

When the weather permits, use ceiling fans to circulate cool air at night or warm air during the day. Turn off your HVAC system during these times to avoid working against natural airflow.

Make Use of Windows

“On a warm spring day, open your windows to invite the breeze for natural cross-ventilation and cool your home,” suggests Fournier. “For those chilly spring days that still feel like winter, open your blinds or curtains to let the sun’s warmth naturally heat your home.”

Evaluate Thermostat Placement

The position of your thermostat is crucial. “Where the temperature is measured in your home affects how your HVAC system operates,” says Young. “Ensure it’s placed in a central, frequently used area of your home.”

Consider Switching to a Programmable Thermostat

To save on energy costs and improve comfort, Fournier suggests investing in a programmable thermostat. “Instead of constantly adjusting the temperature, you can set it to automatically turn on, off, or adjust as needed.”