Thermostat settings by state

Thermostat settings in Hawaii

By Ismail Farooq · Updated 2026-10-30

How most homes heat: Most homes have no heating; cooling is by ductless mini-splits, window units or central AC.

All of Hawaii is zone 1A, but most homes rely on trade winds, fans and ductless mini-splits rather than central systems with a wall thermostat. Mini-splits use their own remote or app, and most standard smart thermostats can’t control them without a manufacturer’s adapter.

Electricity in Hawaii costs far more than on the mainland, so every degree counts. Homes with central AC do well with a higher setpoint, the fan on Auto, and a schedule that cools only occupied hours. Upcountry Maui and higher parts of the Big Island are cooler and rarely need AC at all.

Climate zones in Hawaii

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 Hawaii

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.