Thermostat settings by state

Thermostat settings in Delaware

By Ismail Farooq · Updated 2026-10-30

How most homes heat: Natural gas furnaces in the north, heat pumps across much of the state, and propane and oil in rural Kent and Sussex counties.

Delaware is all in zone 4A: cold enough in winter to need real heat, and humid in summer. Heat pumps work well here for most of the winter, so focus on aux heat settings: a small overnight setback and a sensible aux heat lockout keep the electric strips off on all but the coldest mornings.

Beach houses along the coast are often empty for months. A smart thermostat lets you check on them remotely; set an away temperature that keeps humidity under control in summer and pipes safe in winter.

Climate zones in Delaware

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 Delaware

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.