December 21, 2021
It’s winter! And that means cold temperatures and big heating costs. If you’re looking to cut your energy bills this season without sacrificing comfort, this guide is for you. We’ll discuss how to make sure your Franklin & South Indy home stays warm without costing you an arm and a leg. With these tips, 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 level and your goals for energy efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), setting your thermostat at 68 is the best way to keep heating costs under control.
What Temperature to Set Your Thermostat in Winter During the Day
While Home
The DOE recommends 68 degrees during the daytime. If you’re feeling too cold, there are a couple of other ways you can stay comfortable.
- Run your ceiling fan in reverse when you’re in a room. This redistributes the warm air that collects near the ceiling.
- Select energy-efficient window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters. If your home has old or drafty windows, putting up plastic sheeting or window blankets offers an additional barrier against the cold.
- Make the most of natural warmth by opening south-facing window treatments during the daytime. Don’t forget to shut them at night to minimize heat loss.
While Gone
If it dips below 30 degrees, setting your thermostat between 64 and 65 degrees is a sensible choice while gone. Your furnace won’t be heating a vacant home, but it’ll be easy for the temperature to recover when you return.
You may want to set the thermostat somewhat 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 sleep better. The National Sleep Foundation recommends a thermostat setting of 64-65 degrees.
That might seem too chilly if you’re used to a higher temperature. If you’re used to sleeping at 68 degrees, try slowly lowering it over the next few days and sleep with more blankets or warmer pajamas.
Other Ways to Reduce Energy Costs in the Winter
Keeping your thermostat at the right temperature in the winter is a good start to keeping energy costs low. But there are a few other things you can do to trim your bill.
- Get a new thermostat. Programmable thermostats are cheap, but most households don’t have them set up properly. If yours is constantly on “hold,” you’re at a disadvantage for energy savings. While you can program yours, it can be a time-consuming process, especially if your schedule varies from day to day. A smart thermostat can get rid of all that work 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 price)!
- Change your furnace air filter regularly. A dirty air filter can cause a lot of problems for your furnace, including making it consume more energy or even causing it to break down. That’s why it’s important to change yours every month 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 suffers from allergies or asthma, you may want to change your filter more often.
- Add more insulation. Your home is probably among the 90% in the U.S. that don’t have enough attic insulation. Homes in northern climates need 16-18″, while those in southern climates need 13-14″.
- Get a new furnace. If your HVAC system is nearly 15 years old, it’s time to start considering furnace installation. Installing an ENERGY STAR® furnace can keep you more comfortable while keeping heating costs down. A new heating system is a major investment, but Winters Heating and Cooling help make it more affordable through rebates, special offers, and financing for qualified customers.
Whenever you have concerns about what is the best temperature to set your thermostat at, energy efficiency during winter, or any other home comfort issues, Winters Heating and Cooling is here to help you. We’re the heating and cooling company your friends and neighbors have relied on since 2019. Call us at 317-406-5382 to request your appointment today.