Key Takeaways

HVAC experts recommend keeping your thermostat between 64°F and 68°F to stay comfortable while saving energy.

Set your thermostat to 68°F to 70°F during the day, 60°F to 65°F at night, and 55°F to 60°F when away.

Give your system a break on pleasant fall days, but keep the heat on when freezing weather threatens.

Autumn weather is notoriously volatile. One day it’s a balmy 80°F with a side of audacious humidity levels, and the next you’ve got whispers of potential flurries. Even daytime temperatures can fluctuate wildly from morning to mid-afternoon. So what’s the best temperature to set your thermostat in fall to maximize comfort without winding up with a ballooned bill? We spoke to HVAC pros for the answer.  

Meet Our Expert

Related: The Best Thermostat Setting for When You’re Away During the Holidays

The Best Thermostat Temperature for Fall

There’s no single ideal temperature for your home in autumn, but experts generally recommend somewhere between 60°F and 70°F.

“Fall is a transition season, so the goal is to find a comfortable setting without constantly making dramatic changes to the thermostat,” explains HVAC expert Kim Lincoln. “I recommend setting the thermostat near 68°F when heating is needed, making modest adjustments when sleeping or away, and letting indoor comfort and humidity guide you.” 

Tamer Sayed, an HVAC technician, agrees. He says a good temperature range for autumn is 64°F to 68°F, and that you can adjust the thermostat during the day or evening depending on your preferences. This range helps save energy while keeping you comfortable and ensuring your pipes don’t freeze. 

Should You Adjust Temperatures From Day to Night?

Autumn temperatures can fluctuate pretty dramatically, with nights getting quite cold and days being temperate. You’ll probably find that adjustments between day and night help keep you comfortable. 

“Adjusting the thermostat between the day and night further boosts comfort and energy savings,” Sayed says. “Lower the temperature at night for better sleep. I also recommend taking advantage of smart thermostats for automatic adjustments.”  

Fall Thermostat Settings: 

Daytime: 68°F to 70°F 

Is It OK to Turn the HVAC Off During Fall?

There can be mild fall days when neither heating nor cooling is necessary. “In that situation, homeowners can switch the system off temporarily and use natural ventilation if outdoor conditions are comfortable and the indoor temperature and humidity remain in a safe, comfortable range,” Lincoln says. 

However, she says that turning the system off entirely shouldn’t be an automatic seasonal rule. An exception is if you live in an area with moderate humidity and temperatures that naturally hover between 60°F and 70°F. In that case, you can turn the HVAC on or off depending on your preferences. 

If freezing weather is on the way, make sure the heat is turned on to prevent damage to your home, and to keep you safe. 

Read the original article on Real Simple