Thermostat settings by state
Thermostat settings in Wisconsin
By Ismail Farooq · Updated 2026-10-30
How most homes heat: Natural gas furnaces in most homes; propane in rural areas and boilers in some older city homes.
Wisconsin has long, cold winters, especially in the north. Gas furnaces are the norm, and deep overnight setbacks work well with early start. Focus on Energy, the state’s utility program, has offered smart thermostat rebates.
Rural homes on propane gain most from scheduling and from a dual-fuel heat pump. Up north, cabins and lake homes need a freeze-safe away setting and a thermostat that keeps running after a power cut.
Climate zones in Wisconsin
| Place | IECC zone |
|---|---|
| Milwaukee | 6A |
| Madison | 6A |
| Green Bay | 6A |
| Eau Claire | 6A |
| Superior | 7 |
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.
- Freeze protection: keep the away or minimum temperature at about 55 °F or higher in winter, and make sure the thermostat keeps working without Wi-Fi.
Heat pump lockouts for Wisconsin
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) |
|---|---|---|
| 6–8 | From the heat pump’s rated output at low temperatures; cold-climate models often run well below 10 °F | Often 0–25 °F, from the installer’s balance point |
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.