The Ideal Thermostat Settings for California Homes: Comfort & Savings

If you live in Southern California, your HVAC system works hard year-round—especially during our hot summers and surprisingly chilly winters. But are you setting your thermostat for maximum comfort and energy savings?

In this guide, we break down the best thermostat settings for California homes, how smart thermostats can make life easier, and tips to reduce your energy bills without sacrificing comfort.

💬 Need help setting up your thermostat for efficiency?Schedule a free consultation with our HVAC experts today!

🌞 Best Thermostat Settings for Summer in California

When temperatures rise across Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside Counties, your instinct might be to blast the AC. But each degree can make a big difference in your electric bill.

• Recommended setting when home: 76–78°F

• When away: Set it to 85°F or higher

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends keeping your home as warm as comfortably possible to maximize savings. Setting your thermostat to 78°F instead of 72°F can save you up to 10% on cooling costs.

🔧 Want your system optimized before summer hits?Book your seasonal AC tune-up with One Stop HVAC today!

❄️ Best Thermostat Settings for Winter

Southern California winters might not be harsh, but overnight temperatures can dip into the 40s and 50s.

• Recommended setting when home: 68–70°F

• When away or asleep: 60–65°F

Lowering your thermostat by just a few degrees while you sleep or when you're away can lead to noticeable energy savings.

🏠 Curious if your thermostat is costing you money? Let us perform a free energy efficiency check-up — contact us here.

🧠 Why a Smart Thermostat Is Worth It

If you're still using a manual or basic digital thermostat, it may be time for an upgrade. Smart thermostats can learn your habits, adjust automatically, and help you track energy use.

Benefits include:

• Automatic adjustments when you leave home

• Remote access from your phone

• Energy usage reports and savings tips

• Integration with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home

💡 Thinking about upgrading?Ask us about our current smart thermostat installation discounts — click here to request a quote!

🏡 Customize by Climate Zone

California has a wide range of microclimates. For example:

• Coastal homes near Long Beach or Huntington Beach may not need heavy AC, so ceiling fans and mild thermostat settings work well.

• Inland homes in Riverside, Corona, or the San Fernando Valley may experience extreme heat, making programmable cooling schedules more valuable.

📍 Live in a hot zone? We’ll help you create a customized cooling strategy for your home. Get started here.

💡 Pro Tips to Boost Efficiency

• Use ceiling fans to help circulate cool air.

• Close blinds during the hottest parts of the day.

• Don’t set your thermostat lower than 72°F—your system won't cool faster, just work harder.

• Regular maintenance keeps your system running efficiently.

🛠️ Pro Tip: Bundle your thermostat upgrade with a system tune-up and save even more. Ask us how!

✅ Ready to Upgrade Your Thermostat or Save on Energy Bills?

At One Stop HVAC, we help homeowners across Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside Counties find the right thermostat and system settings for their lifestyle and budget.

📞 Call now to schedule your thermostat installation: (323) 344-2555💻 Or request a free quote online in less than 2 minutes!