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 discuss how to make sure your Huffman home stays warm without costing you a fortune. 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 away.
We’ll also go over how installing a smart thermostat can keep heating bills low, as well as a few of our favorite energy-saving tips for cold weather.
Our Suggestions 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 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 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 the warm 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.
- Maximize natural warmth by opening south-facing window treatments during the daytime. Don’t forget to shut them at night to reduce heat loss.
While gone
If it dips under 30 degrees, setting your thermostat between 64 and 65 degrees is a wise choice while gone. Your furnace won’t be pumping a lot of heat into 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, especially 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 get a better night’s sleep. The National Sleep Foundation advises a thermostat setting of 64-65 degrees.
That might seem too cold 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.
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 low. But there are a few other things you can do to cut your bill.
- Get a new thermostat. Programmable thermostats are inexpensive, but most households don’t have them set up properly. If yours is constantly 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 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 price)!
- Replace your furnace air filter regularly. 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 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 adequate 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. Installing an ENERGY STAR® furnace can keep you comfier while keeping heating costs down. A new heating system is a major investment, but Air Houston Mechanical LLC helps 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, Air Houston Mechanical LLC is here to help you. We’re the heating and cooling company your friends and neighbors have relied on since 2009. Call us at (832) 957-9332 to request your appointment today.
