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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11For an energy-conscious starting point, try about 68°F while people are home and awake, then adjust for comfort and household needs. That is U.S. Department of Energy guidance—not a required setting or a universal safety threshold. For a cold-weather trip, the American Red Cross advises leaving the heat on and setting the thermostat no lower than 55°F to help reduce frozen-pipe risk. These figures serve different purposes, so don’t treat 55°F as a normal occupied setting or as a guarantee against frozen pipes.
Choose an occupied setting first
The U.S. Department of Energy’s 2016 educational webinar says, “In the WINTER try not to set your thermostat higher than 68°F.” Treat that as broad energy-saving guidance, not a rule every household must follow. A comfortable temperature depends on the people in the home, their health needs, and the building. Read the DOE thermostat guidance.
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Older adults are more susceptible to cold-related health problems, and the CDC recommends checking home temperature often. For infants under one year during extreme cold, the CDC says not to let them sleep in a cold room. If someone in your household is especially vulnerable to cold or has a medical need, prioritize their safety and comfort over an efficiency target. See the CDC’s winter-storm safety guidance.
Use setbacks for sleep or a regular absence
Once you have an occupied temperature that works for your household, consider whether a lower setting during sleep or a predictable stretch away is comfortable and suitable for your heating system. These are schedule setbacks—not the same as the 55°F guidance for an extended cold-weather trip.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Notice】Please make sure to read the installation and wiring instructions provided in the pictures carefully before buying. If you are inexperienced with installation, it is advised to be cautious when making a purchase to avoid issues like product failure or incompatibility. (Verify the existing base to ensure only 2 to 5 wires are compatible for installation and wiring).
- 【Thermostat Applications 1H/1C】for with Conventional Single-Stage Heating & Air Conditioning, up to 1 Heat and 1 Cool. Gas/Oil/Electric Furnace (Heat only), Boiler Radiant (Heat only), Furnace Forced-Air (Heat Only), Gas Fireplace (24 Volts), Cooling Only, Only 1H/1C Heat Pump (without aux) Systems.
- 【Incompatible Systems】Does not work multistage systems (1H/2C, 2H/2C), HVAC heat pump systems (2H/1C, 4H/2C), PTACs, 3-wire hydronic (hot water), dual fuel/hybrid heating. Does not work line voltage systems (120-240V electric baseboards heat); mini split heat pump air conditioner, RV air conditioners mach and roughneck series.
- Suuwer S705 5-1-1 day programmable thermostat 1 Heat/ 1 Cool. Separate programs for the weekdays and weekends with 4 program periods per day including wake, leave, return and sleep.
- 【Technical support】 Separate heat or cool swing set up (0.2°F to 2°F) and 5 minute compressor delay protection (Selectable ON or OFF). Digital thermostat has a built-in battery change and filter change reminders (Set 50-2000 hours)
The DOE says lowering the thermostat by 7–10°F from its normal setting for eight hours a day can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling. This is a potential, not a promised result: actual savings depend on the home, equipment, weather, energy costs, and schedule. The figure is from the DOE’s Home Upgrades: Energy-Saving Smart Technology page.
Keep heat on when you leave in cold weather
For a cold-weather absence, the American Red Cross advises: “If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.” The recommendation is meant to reduce frozen-pipe risk, not to guarantee that pipes cannot freeze. Exposed plumbing, poor insulation, drafts, and severe weather can all affect the risk. Read the Red Cross frozen-pipe guidance.
Rank #2
- PRIVACY PROTECTION*: Sensi won’t sell your personal information to third parties
- EASY DIY INSTALLATION: Use the built-in level and step-by-step app instructions for a quick installation. Works with HVAC equipment found in most homes. Common wire (c-wire) is not required in most applications
- SAVE ABOUT 23% ON HVAC ENERGY*: The ENERGY STAR-certified Sensi smart thermostat can help you save energy with features like flexible scheduling, remote access and usage reports
- SIMPLE CONFIGURATION: Looks and feels like a thermostat. Has buttons and fits the same space as a traditional thermostat so you don’t have to patch and paint your walls
- SMART MAINTENANCE: Sensi can help monitor the performance and efficiency of your HVAC system by delivering valuable usage reports, alerts about your equipment, and maintenance reminders like filter replacement
During very cold weather, the Red Cross also advises keeping the thermostat at the same temperature by day and night. That can increase heating costs, but may help protect plumbing. Other Red Cross precautions include letting cold water drip from faucets served by exposed pipes, opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors so warmer air can reach plumbing, and keeping garage doors closed when water lines run through the garage. The CDC also advises keeping a home warm and allowing heated air to reach pipes.
Check your heating system before programming setbacks
Thermostat scheduling can behave differently with different equipment. The DOE says programmable thermostats have generally not been recommended for heat pumps, though some newer products can make setbacks cost-effective. ENERGY STAR’s 2009 guide notes that a heat pump may need a special programmable thermostat. Check your heat-pump manufacturer’s instructions or ask a qualified HVAC contractor before using aggressive setbacks. See ENERGY STAR’s programmable-thermostat guide.
Rank #3
- · High Compatibility: Forced air (gas, oil or electric), Electric furnace, Hot water steam or gravity radiant heat, Heat only systems, Heat pump w/o auxiliary or emergency heat, Millivolt, Gas fireplaces (24V), Floor or wall furnaces, Cool only systems.(TIP: Before purchasing, check to see if this thermostat is compatible with your system.)
- · Not Compatible: Heat pump with auxiliary or emergency heat, Dual fuel/hybrid heating, Electric baseboard heat (110-240 volts), Line voltage, Convectors, Radiant-ceiling heat, Mini split systems and 12V RV systems.
- · Easy to Install and Use: Large terminal blocks with universal sub-base, can be installed within 30 minutes, Large, clear, easy-to-read backlight LCD display and easy controls make for a user-friendly experience.
- · Factory Pre-set Energy-efficiency Program: 7-day, 5/1/1 easy-to-understand programming menus, flexible programming lets you sync your comfort with your schedule.
- · Reliability: Made by professional manufacturer and backed by over 20 years of experience, the customer service is 7*24 hrs available.
Do you need a smart thermostat?
No. A smart thermostat is an optional way to schedule or control heating, not a prerequisite for setting a sensible winter temperature. ENERGY STAR says certified smart thermostats are independently certified using actual field data. Depending on the model, features can include learning schedules, remote adjustment, vacation mode, and room sensors.
Before buying one, check compatibility with your heating and cooling system. Many models use low-voltage wiring; some require a C-wire or an adapter. ENERGY STAR offers smart-thermostat guidance. Availability of utility rebates varies by location and program.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- An Alexa thermostat - Amazon Smart Thermostat is an easy way to switch from a traditional thermostats for homes and help reduce energy usage.
- Create comfort zones throughout your home by connecting to select Alexa devices to automatically adjust heating and cooling based on temperature readings or presence detection.
- Save money and energy - After purchase, Amazon will send you an email with details about home thermostat rebates that may be available from energy providers in your area.
- Save energy - According to EPA estimates, ENERGY STAR certified thermostats save an average of $90 on yearly energy bills.
- Programmable thermostat and automatic control - Create your own home, away and sleep schedules, or have Alexa automatically control the temperature with Alexa+ advanced features.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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