Thermostat settings by state

Thermostat settings in Mississippi

By Ismail Farooq · Updated 2026-10-30

How most homes heat: Electric heat pumps in most homes, with gas furnaces in some cities.

Mississippi is hot and very humid for most of the year. The main job of a thermostat here is cooling without leaving the house damp: fan on Auto, a steady setpoint and a dehumidify setting if your thermostat has one.

Heat pumps handle most winters easily, with aux heat only needed on the coldest mornings. If your electric bill jumps in a cold snap, check whether aux heat is running more than it should.

Climate zones in Mississippi

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 Mississippi

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.