Thermostat settings by state
Thermostat settings in Kentucky
By Ismail Farooq · Updated 2026-10-30
How most homes heat: Electric heat pumps and gas furnaces in similar numbers.
Kentucky is zone 4A: hot, humid summers and cold, damp winters. Heat pumps are very common, so aux heat is the setting to watch. A big jump in setpoint on a cold morning brings on the electric strips; small setbacks or the thermostat’s smart recovery avoid that.
Humid summers make the fan setting matter. Use Auto rather than On, and if the house stays damp, use the thermostat’s dehumidify feature.
Climate zones in Kentucky
| Place | IECC zone |
|---|---|
| Louisville | 4A |
| Lexington | 4A |
| Bowling Green | 4A |
| Paducah | 4A |
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 Kentucky
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.
| Zone | Aux heat lockout (electric strips) | Compressor lockout (dual fuel) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 30–35 °F | Around 25–35 °F |
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.