What’s the Best Thermostat Setting for Your Business?

Finding the right thermostat setting isn’t just about comfort—it directly affects your energy bills, equipment lifespan, and the experience you create for both customers and employees.

Here’s how small and mid-sized business owners can think about it.


Balance comfort with cost
Keeping your space comfortable helps employees stay productive and encourages customers to stay longer. But extreme temperature settings can quickly drive up energy costs and put unnecessary strain on your HVAC system.


Adjust based on the season
Workplace guidelines from Occupational Safety and Health Administration suggest a general indoor range of 68–76°F. That said, what feels “right” often depends on the contrast between indoor and outdoor temperatures.


  • Summer: If it’s very hot outside, blasting the AC too low can feel uncomfortable for customers walking in—and increases costs. A setting around 72–74°F is typically a smart balance.
  • Winter: Keeping temperatures slightly cooler, around 66–68°F, helps manage heating expenses while maintaining comfort.


Think about the customer experience
A sudden temperature shock—like stepping from 90°F heat into a 65°F store—can actually make customers uncomfortable. Gradual transitions tend to feel better and keep people in your space longer.


Protect your equipment
Moderate thermostat settings reduce wear and tear on your HVAC system, lowering maintenance costs and helping avoid unexpected breakdowns.


Bottom line
For most small and medium-sized businesses, staying near the middle of the recommended range—and adjusting slightly with the seasons—offers the best mix of comfort, cost control, and operational efficiency.

Carey's Heating and Air Conditioning is here to help! Call us today at 708-532-2449 for a system check to make sure you are ready for the season!


August 25, 2026
Believe it or not, your HVAC system doesn't spend the summer lounging by the pool with a cold drink. After working overtime through another hot Chicago summer, it's about to switch gears and become your building's heating hero. The question is... is it ready? Before Old Man Winter arrives uninvited (and he always does), now is the perfect time to have your commercial HVAC system inspected and tested. Waiting until the first freezing morning to discover your furnace has other plans is a little like finding out your snow shovel is broken during a blizzard. A fall preventive maintenance inspection can help: Catch small problems before they become expensive emergencies. Improve energy efficiency and lower heating costs. Keep employees productive instead of bundled up in coats and gloves. Keep customers comfortable—and shopping instead of shivering. Reduce the chances of an unexpected breakdown during Chicago's coldest days. Whether you manage retail stores, office buildings, restaurants, warehouses, or commercial facilities, a reliable heating system keeps your business running smoothly. Because let's face it— "everyone work from the conference room because it's the only warm spot in the building" isn't much of a business strategy. Since 1992, Carey's Heating and Air Conditioning has been helping Chicago-area businesses stay comfortable through every season. Our highly skilled union technicians provide expert commercial HVAC maintenance, repairs, and replacements, ensuring your equipment is ready to handle whatever winter decides to throw our way. Winter is coming. Your furnace should be ready before it gets the memo. Don't leave your employees, customers, or tenants out in the cold. Call Carey's Heating and Air Conditioning today at  (708) 532-2449  to schedule your Fall HVAC Inspection and Winter Readiness Check. Your HVAC system will thank you—even if it doesn't send a holiday card.
August 6, 2026
If your building feels like a sauna in July or a walk-in freezer in January, people notice—and not in a good way. Uncomfortable employees get distracted. Uncomfortable customers leave. Neither helps your bottom line.  That’s where Carey’s Heating and Air Conditioning comes in. We keep your building comfortable so your team can work and your customers can stay focused on, well… spending money. Why It Matters Better comfort = better productivity Cleaner air = happier people Fewer complaints = fewer headaches The Easy Fix: Preventative Maintenance Think of your HVAC system like a company vehicle—ignore it long enough, and it will break down at the worst possible time. Regular maintenance helps you: Avoid surprise breakdowns (aka “why today?!” moments) Lower energy bills Keep everything running smoothly Bottom Line A comfortable building isn’t a luxury—it’s a business strategy. Call Carey’s Heating and Air Conditioning at  (708) 532-2449  to schedule preventative maintenance. Because “we’ll fix it when it breaks” is not a great plan.
July 17, 2026
Unit Replacement At Visionworks in Chicago