It’s winter! And that means low temperatures and high heating costs. If you’re looking to cut your energy bills this season without compromising comfort, this guide is for you. We’ll review how to make sure your Genoa home stays warm without costing you an arm and a leg. With these ideas, it’ll be easy to keep warm all winter long!

Let’s go over what temperature to set your thermostat in winter:

  • While you’re home during the day.
  • While sleeping at night.
  • While you’re gone.

We’ll also review how installing a smart thermostat can reduce heating bills, as well as a few of our top energy-saving tips for cold weather.

Our Recommendations for Winter Thermostat Settings

You might be thinking if 70 is a good temperature for the winter. It can be, but it also depends on your comfort needs and your goals for energy efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), setting your thermostat at 68 is the smartest way to keep heating costs down.

What Temperature to Set Your Thermostat in Winter During the Day

While Home

The DOE recommends 68 degrees during the day. If you’re feeling too cold, there are a couple of other ways you can stay warm.

  • Set your ceiling fan in reverse when you’re in a room. This redistributes hot air that accumulates near the ceiling.
  • Select energy-efficient window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters. If your home has old or drafty windows, installing plastic sheeting or window blankets offers an extra barrier against the cold.
  • Make the most of natural warmth by opening south-facing window treatments during the day. Don’t forget to shut them at night to minimize heat loss.

While Gone

If it dips below 30 degrees, setting your thermostat around 64-65 degrees is a smart choice while gone. Your furnace won’t be heating an empty home, but it’ll be easy for the temperature to recover when you return.

You may want to set the thermostat slightly higher if you have a dog, particularly a puppy, senior dog, small dog or a dog with short hair. Between 66-67 degrees will keep them comfortable and happy.

What Temperature to Set Your Thermostat in Winter at Night

Keeping your bedroom cool can help you get a better night’s sleep. The National Sleep Foundation advises a thermostat setting of 64-65 degrees.

That might seem too chilly if you’re used to a warmer temperature. If you’re used to sleeping at 68 degrees, try progressively lowering it over the next couple of days and sleep with more blankets or thicker pajamas.

Other Ways to Lower Energy Costs in the Winter

Keeping your thermostat at the ideal temperature in the winter is a good first step to keeping energy costs down. But there are a few other steps you can take to cut your bill.

  • Upgrade your thermostat. Programmable thermostats are inexpensive, but most households don’t have them set up correctly. If yours is always on “hold,” you’re missing out on energy savings. While you can get your schedule set up, it can be a lengthy process, especially if your schedule changes from day to day. A smart thermostat can eliminate all those steps because it can develop an energy-efficient heating schedule based on your routine and temperature preferences. Learn how you can get a free smart thermostat (or one at a greatly reduced cost)!
  • Change your furnace air filter regularly. A dirty air filter can create a lot of problems for your furnace, including making it use more energy or even causing it to break down. That’s why it’s important to change yours every 30 days if you use a flat filter. Or every three months if you use a pleated filter. If you have pets or someone in your home has allergies or asthma, you may want to replace your filter more often.
  • Add more insulation. Your home is likely among the 90% in the U.S. that don’t have enough attic insulation. Homes in northern climates require 16-18″, while those in southern climates need 13-14″.
  • Install a new furnace. If your HVAC system is close to 15 years old, it’s time to start considering furnace installation. Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR® furnace can keep you more comfortable while keeping heating costs low. A new heating system is a big investment, but Assured Appliance & Heating & Air helps make it more affordable through rebates, special offers and financing for qualified customers.

Whenever you have concerns about what the best temperature is to set your thermostat to, energy efficiency during winter or any other home comfort questions, Assured Appliance & Heating & Air is here to help you. We’re the heating and cooling company your friends and neighbors have trusted since {year}. Call us at 847-306-8990 to schedule your appointment now.