Thanksgiving Guests: Thermostat Settings That Keep Everyone Comfortable
When the turkey’s in the oven and the house is full, your HVAC has one job: keep people comfortable without spiking your bill. Here’s how to set the thermostat for a calm, drama-free Thanksgiving in Greater Birmingham.
The short answer
- Hosting mid-day to evening: set heat to 67–69°F about an hour before guests arrive. Cooking and body heat usually add 2–4°.
- During heavy cooking or a packed living room: bump to 66–67°F so it doesn’t get stuffy.
- Dinner hour: land at 67–68°F to keep folks comfy while seated.
- Overnight guests: set bedrooms to 65–67°F for sleep, with a spare throw for the always-cold relative.
- Heat pump tip: avoid big setbacks. Make 1–2° adjustments so you don’t trigger energy-hungry auxiliary heat.
A simple Thanksgiving Day schedule
| Time | What’s happening | Thermostat setpoint | Why it works |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8–10 AM | Prep starts | 68°F | Comfortable baseline while the oven preheats |
| 11 AM–2 PM | Cooking ramps up | 66–67°F | Offsets heat from the kitchen and extra bodies |
| 2–5 PM | Guests arrive | 67–68°F | Keeps living room steady while doors open/close |
| 5–7 PM | Dinner | 67–68°F | Comfortable while seated; not stuffy |
| 9 PM–12 AM | Wind-down | 68°F | Holds comfort as ovens cool |
| Overnight | Guest rooms | 65–67°F | Better sleep, fewer “it’s too hot” complaints |
Dial in comfort for mixed preferences
Elders and infants usually like it warmer. Seat them away from supply vents and keep a light blanket handy.
The perpetually hot cousin gets the chair near a return grille or a small, quiet fan.
If you have zones or a mini-split guest room, follow the living-area schedule above and set bedrooms to 66–68°F about an hour before bedtime for a gentle glide.
Don’t forget air quality
- Run the range hood during roasting and sautéing. Smoke and steam raise humidity and make rooms feel warmer.
- Start with a clean filter. A clogged filter tanks airflow and comfort on a full-house day.
- If you have IAQ add-ons like higher-MERV filtration or UV, make sure they’re on and maintained before the holiday rush.
Heat pump and furnace pro moves
- Fan setting: use Auto for normal hosting; toggle On for 30–60 minutes if temps vary between rooms to mix air.
- Ceiling fans: set to low, clockwise to gently push warm air down without drafts.
- Avoid “Emergency Heat.” If you see that light, something’s off; call a pro.
- Pre-heat, don’t over-correct. Start tweaks an hour early instead of big, last-minute swings.
Quick troubleshooting on the big day
- Room still stuffy at 67–68°F? Crack a supply register slightly in the hottest room and run the fan for 30 minutes.
- Cold hallway near the front door? A draft stopper and a 1–2° temporary bump during arrivals usually solves it.
- Odors hanging around? Keep the hood running 15 minutes after cooking; replace the filter if it’s been more than 60 days.
Call to Schedule: Holiday-Ready Comfort
Hosting in Birmingham, Hoover, Homewood, and across Greater Birmingham? Our team can calibrate thermostats, check heat pumps and furnaces, and make sure your system is Thanksgiving-proof. Call (205) 428-6935 or request service online.
Heating Services | Indoor Air Quality | Preventative HVAC Maintenance
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