Thermostat settings by state

Thermostat settings in Oregon

By Ismail Farooq · Updated 2026-10-30

How most homes heat: Heat pumps, gas furnaces and electric baseboard heaters.

Western Oregon is a marine climate (4C): mild, damp winters and dry summers that are getting hotter. Heat pumps work very well there and rarely need aux heat. Many older homes heat with electric baseboard heaters, which need line-voltage thermostats.

East of the Cascades, Bend and the high desert are zone 5B with cold winter nights. The Energy Trust of Oregon has offered smart thermostat and heat pump incentives for customers of the main utilities.

Climate zones in Oregon

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.
• Dry air: a higher cooling setpoint still feels comfortable, and winter air gets very dry. A whole-house humidifier wired to the thermostat should aim for about 30–40%, lower in very cold weather.
• Marine (mild) areas: heat pumps rarely need aux heat, and many homes need little cooling.

Heat pump lockouts for Oregon

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.