Nashville, Franklin people, etc - thermostat setting? (house, living)

[veg-gal]

I finally moved to the area a couple months ago from Southern California and I'm having a hard time with setting my thermostat on an optimal setting. For example, today it's cold (i.e. about 56 degrees) and my heat is on, but a couple days ago my heat kicked on and it was in the 70s outside.

Not sure what setting is suitable for this time of the year. Does it get hot (warm?) again anytime over the next month or so, and should my thermostat be set to cycle between A/C and Heat or just on heat from now until next spring?

Also, any suggestions on what temp would be best to set it on for someone who's trying to keep her heating bills as low as possible? Still want my pets and hubby to be comfortable though.

Thanks.

[DonCorleone]

Ah, you've experienced one of the joys of Fall in Nashville. It'll be the same in early Spring. Monday 76, Tuesday 67, Wednesday 58, Thursday 72, etc. It's just the way it is this time of year. Just like the old joke...we get all four seasons here. Often in the same week.

If you have the option to cycle between the 2 over the next few weeks you should. Typically after Halloween you're safe to keep it on heat until late March at the earliest. In the meantime, keep the windows open on these soon-to-be-rare warm days.

[CountryGirl2b=]

I have settled on 76 in the summer and 66 in the winter. My gas plus electric is about $100 a month if I am running either. They switch off being the higher bill. Really depends on the size of your house and where your thermostat is and what your tolerance is.

[lluvia]

I'm trying to wrap my head around why you think 56 degrees is cold.
That sounds delightful while I'm sweating in Florida.

[BirdieBelle]

I don't turn the heat on until it's been in the 30s for a few days straight. I just bundle up in the house.

But there will be days when you can have the heat on one day and the A/C on the next day. It's just the craziness of our climate.

[veg-gal]

Thanks everyone! Great advice. I will bundle up more in the house, and I agree that 66 in the winter would be great (if I can take it on that setting - I hope I can). As for the summer, the last few weeks anyway, I was able to set it between 78 - 80 with the living room fan on as well. I also have a space heater ready should I need that once in a while, mostly a couple hours at night. Appreciate all your suggestions