If you live in Maryland, you know how much the weather can change throughout the year. Summer can bring hot, humid days in the 90s, while winter brings freezing temperatures and cold winds. Because of that, there isn’t a perfect thermostat setting for every season.

The best thermostat settings for Maryland homes balance comfort, energy savings, and the way your household uses the space. A setting that works well when everyone is home may not work when the house is empty during the day or while everyone is sleeping.

Why the Same Temperature Doesn’t Feel the Same Year-Round

Most people don’t notice the number on the thermostat as much as they notice how the house feels.

In August, 78 degrees can feel too warm if the house feels sticky. In January, 68 degrees may feel colder than expected if there’s a draft.

Instead of picking one number and leaving it there all year, it helps to think about your thermostat in three situations:

• When everyone’s home
• When the house is empty
• When everyone’s asleep

Those are usually the biggest times to make small changes.

What Should I Set My Thermostat to in Summer?

When people ask, “What should I set my thermostat to in summer?” they’re usually hoping there’s one perfect answer. For most homes in Maryland, 78 degrees is a good place to start when you’re home.

That setting usually keeps the house comfortable without making the air conditioner run nonstop.

But summer in Maryland isn’t just hot. It’s humid, so 78 degrees may feel too warm.

Before you lower the thermostat to 72 or 73, try lowering the humidity first. Running ceiling fans, keeping blinds closed in sunny rooms, or using the dry setting on a smart thermostat can help the house feel cooler without changing the actual temperature.

Here’s what usually works best in summer:

• 78 degrees when you’re home
• 85 to 88 degrees when you’re away
• 74 to 76 degrees at night

Many homeowners leave the thermostat low all day because they think the house will cool down faster later. Your system still has to cool the same amount. Letting the house warm up a little while you’re gone usually uses less energy.

If you have a programmable thermostat, set it to start cooling about 30 minutes before everyone gets home. That way the house feels comfortable when you walk in, without cooling an empty house all afternoon.

The Best Winter Settings for Maryland Homes

Winter is different because comfort isn’t just about the air temperature. When it’s cold outside, things like cold floors, drafty rooms, and large windows can make the house feel cooler than the thermostat says.

For most Maryland homes, 68 degrees is a comfortable indoor temperature during the day.

If nobody’s home, you can usually lower it to 60 to 62 degrees. At night, many people sleep better with the temperature between 62 and 66 degrees, especially under blankets.

A simple winter schedule looks like this:

• 68 degrees during the day
• 60 to 62 degrees while you’re away
• 62 to 66 degrees overnight

The only time you don’t want to turn it down too far is during very cold weather. If temperatures outside are near freezing, keep the thermostat high enough to protect pipes and keep colder rooms from getting too chilly.

If your home still feels cold with the thermostat set correctly, your furnace may not be working well anymore. Older furnaces often struggle during cold Maryland winters. It may be time to install a new furnace.

The Average Indoor Temperature Isn’t Always the Best One

You may see articles that say the average indoor temperature should always be 72 degrees. But most people don’t keep their homes at the same temperature all day.

The best thermostat settings for Maryland homes change depending on what’s happening in the house.

If everyone’s away at work or school, the house doesn’t need to stay as comfortable as it does in the evening. If you’re cooking, cleaning, or have several people in one room, the house may feel warmer than usual.

That’s why the best approach is usually to make small changes during the day instead of setting one temperature and never touching it.

A programmable or smart thermostat can make those changes for you automatically. Even a few degrees can make a noticeable difference in comfort and energy use over time.

Why Maryland Homeowners Trust Frederick Air

If you’re always changing the thermostat but your house still doesn’t feel right, the problem may be more than the setting itself.

At Frederick Air, we’ve worked with Maryland homeowners since 1992, and we’ve seen how frustrating it can be when one room feels too hot, another feels too cold, and your energy bills keep climbing.

We believe in giving homeowners honest answers. If your thermostat isn’t keeping your home comfortable, we’ll help you figure out why and talk through your options.