Thermostat settings by state
Thermostat settings in Pennsylvania
By Ismail Farooq · Updated 2026-10-30
How most homes heat: Natural gas furnaces and boilers, with heating oil in many older homes and heat pumps in newer ones.
Pennsylvania has cold winters and humid summers. Philadelphia rowhouses and older homes across the state often have boilers and radiators; newer suburbs mostly have gas furnaces or heat pumps. Oil heat is still common, especially in the southeast.
Check for two-wire boiler thermostats and separate cooling systems (Rh and Rc) before buying a smart thermostat. Pennsylvania utilities run energy efficiency programs under Act 129 that have included smart thermostat rebates.
Climate zones in Pennsylvania
| Place | IECC zone |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 4A |
| Pittsburgh | 5A |
| Allentown | 5A |
| Erie | 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 Pennsylvania
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.