Does Adjusting Your Thermostat Really Make a Difference?

Every homeowner seems to ask themselves this question, does adjusting my thermostat really make a difference in my energy bill? Preston’s Heating and Cooling understands that each Cincinnati home has its own unique features. We break it all down in this post below.

1. Heat Pump Systems (Common in the Midwest)

Heat pumps are very efficient—but only until temperatures drop into the 20s. Below around 20–25°F, a standard heat pump may rely heavily on expensive electric backup heat.

Recommended Settings for Heat Pumps

• Above 30°F outside:

  • Keep the thermostat 68–70°F

  • Use small setbacks (1–2 degrees max) if desired

• Below 25°F:

  • Keep the thermostat steady (no big setbacks)

  • Avoid dropping it more than 1–2°F overnight as you are often in backup heat which is more expensive

Why?

Heat pumps use more energy reheating a house after a big setback than they save during the setback in very cold weather.

2. Gas Furnaces (Very popular in Cincinnati)

Natural gas furnaces don’t lose efficiency in cold weather the way heat pumps do.

Recommended Settings for Gas Furnaces

• Daytime: 68–70°F

• Night/away: 60–64°F (up to a 6–8° setback is perfectly fine)

Why?

Gas furnaces heat quickly and don’t have electric backup heat, so setbacks genuinely save money.

3. High-Efficiency Modulating Furnaces

Many newer homes use modulating or variable-speed gas furnaces that run longer at low power.

Recommended Settings

• Keep temps steady around 68–70°F

• Small setbacks (3–4°F) are okay but not necessary

Why?

These systems are most efficient when they run continuously at low speed, maintaining consistent heat.

Extra Tips for Cincinnati Winter Efficiency

Use a programmable or smart thermostat

Especially beneficial with:

• Gas furnaces

• Dual-fuel systems (gas + heat pump)

At Preston’s, we love the Ecobee thermostat. Call us if you want to get one installed!

Run your furnace fan on AUTO

Leaving it on “ON” can circulate cold air during the off cycles.

Change your filter often

Cincinnati’s air tends to be humid and dusty, and clogged filters reduce efficiency. If you have a 1 inch filter, change it around every 2 months, if you have a 4 inch filter, every 4-6 months will do.

Seal drafts

Homes here often have leaky windows and older insulation. Even small gaps can waste a lot of heat.