Thermostat settings by state
Thermostat settings in New Jersey
By Ismail Farooq · Updated 2026-10-30
How most homes heat: Natural gas furnaces and boilers in most homes; oil in some older homes.
New Jersey is mostly zone 4A, with a colder northwest. Natural gas heating is the norm. Older homes often have a gas boiler with radiators and a separate AC air handler in the attic, which means an Rh/Rc setup or two thermostats.
The state’s Clean Energy Program and utilities have offered smart thermostat rebates; check current offers. Shore homes that sit empty in winter need freeze protection and a thermostat that works without power-stealing problems.
Climate zones in New Jersey
| Place | IECC zone |
|---|---|
| Atlantic City | 4A |
| Newark | 4A |
| Jersey City | 4A |
| Trenton | 4A |
| Newton | 5A |
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%.
- Cold, damp winters: if you have a humidifier, let the thermostat lower its target as it gets colder outside so windows don’t drip.
Heat pump lockouts for New Jersey
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 |
| 5 | 25–35 °F for a standard heat pump; lower for a cold-climate model | Around 20–35 °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.