The summer heat is still scorching, but not too long from now, Georgiahomeowners will be reaching for the heat on the thermostat instead of theair-conditioning remote.
But before you crank up the heat, a small change to your thermostat settings could help keep your home comfortable without unnecessarily driving up your energy use.
TheU.S. Department of Energyrecommends setting the thermostat to 68 degrees when you're awake during the heating season and turning it down while you're asleep.
The agency says adjusting the thermostat when you're asleep or away can help reduce energy use and heating costs.
That doesn't mean every Georgia home needs to be set to exactly 68 degrees all fall. Outdoor temperatures, the home's insulation, the HVAC system and
personal comfort all play a role.
What temperature should your thermostat be in the fall?
As Georgia transitions from hot summer weather to cooler temperatures, homeowners may find themselves switching between cooling and heating depending on the day.
When you do turn on the heat, 68 degrees is a commonly recommended starting point for an energy-conscious daytime setting.
The bigger energy-saving opportunity comes when you don't need the house at your normal comfort temperature.
For those looking to cut heating costs, the Department of Energy says turning the thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day can save as much as 10% a year on heating bills.
For example, you could program the thermostat to lower the temperature overnight or while everyone is away at work or school, then return it to your preferred setting before you need it.
Don't make your HVAC work harder than it needs to
A programmable or smart thermostat can make those adjustments automatically.
The Department of Energy says programmable thermostats can be scheduled to change temperatures at different times of day, while smart thermostats can adjust based on occupancy or activity.
That means you don't have to remember to change the temperature every time you leave the house.
And if you're switching from cooling to heating for the season, it's also a good time to give your HVAC system some attention.
The Department of Energy recommends having heating equipment checked in the fall and cleaning or replacing filters during periods of peak use. Keeping vents unobstructed and addressing duct leaks can also improve how efficiently a system operates.
A few easy ways to save energy this fall
- Turn the thermostat down when you're sleeping.
- Adjust it when you're away.
- Use a programmable or smart thermostat.
- Check your HVAC filter.
- Don't block your vents.
When does fall officially begin?
For 2026, the autumnal equinox arrives on Tuesday, Sept. 22.
But Georgia's weather doesn't necessarily follow the calendar. Warm days can linger well into fall, while cooler mornings can arrive before the season officially changes.
So rather than waiting for one particular date to change the thermostat, pay attention to the temperatures outside and adjust your HVAC settings as needed.
Vanessa Johns is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia, covering food and entertainment. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Fall is coming to Georgia. Where to set your thermostat as temps cool
