It's winter! And that means cold temperatures and high heating costs. If you're looking to reduce your energy bills this season without compromising comfort, this guide is for you. We’ll review how to make sure your Marshfield home stays cozy without costing you a fortune. With these ideas, it'll be easy to keep warm all winter long!
Let’s review what temperature to set your thermostat in winter:
- While you’re home during the day.
- While sleeping at night.
- While you’re away.
We’ll also review how getting a smart thermostat can reduce heating bills, as well as a few of our top energy-saving tips for chilly 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 varies based 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 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 chilly, 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 warm air that collects 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 provides an extra barrier against the cold.
- Maximize natural warmth by opening south-facing window treatments during the day. Don’t forget to shut them at night to reduce heat loss.
While Gone
If it dips under 30 degrees, setting your thermostat around 64-65 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 bounce back when you get back.
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 cozy 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 advises 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 gradually lowering it over the next couple of days and sleep with more blankets or thicker pajamas.
Options for You to Lower Energy Costs in the Winter
Keeping your thermostat at the right temperature in the winter is a good first step 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 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 time-consuming process, especially if your schedule fluctuates from day to day. A smart thermostat can get rid of all that work because it can create an energy-efficient heating schedule based on your routine and temperature preferences. Find out how you can get a free smart thermostat (or one at a greatly reduced cost)!
- Change your furnace air filter often. A dirty air filter can cause 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 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 has 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 require 16-18", while those in southern climates need 13-14".
- Install a new furnace. If your HVAC system is nearly 15 years old, it’s time to start thinking about furnace installation. Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR® furnace can keep you comfier while keeping heating costs low. A new heating system is a big investment, but House of Heating Incorporated helps make it more budget friendly through rebates, special offers and financing for qualified customers.
Whenever you have questions about what the best temperature is to set your thermostat to, energy efficiency during cold weather or any other home comfort issues, House of Heating Incorporated is here to assist you. We’re the heating and cooling company your friends and neighbors have relied on since year. Call us at 715-384-3163 to request your appointment now.