Thermostat settings by state

Thermostat settings in Arkansas

By Ismail Farooq · Updated 2026-10-30

How most homes heat: A mix of heat pumps and gas furnaces, with propane in rural areas.

Arkansas has hot, humid summers and winters with regular freezes, especially in the Ozarks around Fayetteville. Both heating and cooling matter, which makes it good territory for heat pumps and dual-fuel systems (a heat pump with a gas or propane furnace as backup). With dual fuel, the compressor lockout decides when the furnace takes over; propane is usually expensive, so a lower lockout often saves money.

Ice storms can cut power for days in rural areas. If your furnace burns propane, keep the thermostat on a sensible setpoint rather than letting it run hard after an outage.

Climate zones in Arkansas

Zones follow county lines on the 2021 IECC map, and some counties changed zone between code editions. DOE’s Building America climate zone map lists every county.

Starting settings

• Everyday setpoints: about 68 °F in winter and 78 °F in summer while you’re home, set back while you sleep or are out (DOE’s guidance).
• Gas, oil or propane furnace or boiler: setbacks of 7 to 10 °F are fine; use the thermostat’s early-start feature so the house is warm on time.
• Heat pump: keep winter setbacks small (2 to 4 °F) so a cold morning doesn’t bring on aux heat.
• Humid summers: use fan Auto, not On, and turn on the thermostat’s dehumidify or overcool setting if the house feels damp. Keep indoor humidity under about 60%.

Heat pump lockouts for Arkansas

If you have a heat pump, these are starting points for the outdoor temperatures that control backup heat. Your installer’s balance point is better if you have it.

Rebates

Many utilities give rebates or bill credits for smart thermostats, sometimes in return for joining a peak-day program. Programs change often, so check your electric and gas utility’s website, or search by ZIP code in the ENERGY STAR rebate finder.