It's winter! And that means cold temperatures and big heating costs. If you're looking to reduce your energy bills this season without sacrificing comfort, this guide is for you. We’ll discuss how to make sure your Athol home stays cozy without costing you an arm and a leg. With these ideas, it'll be easy to keep cozy 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 installing a smart thermostat can keep heating bills low, as well as a few of our favorite energy-saving tips for cold weather.
Our Guide for Energy Efficient Thermostat Settings in Winter
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 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 comfortable.
- Run your ceiling fan in reverse when you’re in a room. This redistributes warm air that gathers near the ceiling.
- Choose energy-efficient window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters. If your home has old or drafty windows, installing plastic sheeting or window blankets provides an additional barrier against the cold.
- Make the most of natural warmth by opening south-facing window treatments during daytime. 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 wise choice while away. Your furnace won’t be heating an empty 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 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 advises a thermostat setting of 64-65 degrees.
That might seem too chilly if you’re accustomed to a higher 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.
Options for You to Reduce Energy Bills During 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 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 fluctuates 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. Find out how you can get a free smart thermostat (or one at a greatly reduced cost)!
- Replace 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 malfunction. That’s why it’s important to replace 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 frequently.
- Add extra insulation. Your home is likely 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 require 13-14".
- Get a new furnace. If your HVAC system is nearly 15 years old, it’s time to start thinking about furnace installation. Getting an ENERGY STAR® furnace can keep you more comfortable while keeping heating costs low. A new heating system is a big investment, but Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling 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 cold weather or any other home comfort questions, Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling is here to assist you. We’re the heating and cooling company your friends and neighbors have relied on since year. Call us at 208-561-1226 to request your appointment today.