Guide To Energy-Efficient Thermostat Settings In Winter

It’s winter! And that means cold temperatures and big 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 Lodi home stays warm without costing you a fortune. With these ideas, it’ll be easy to keep cozy 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 Energy Efficient Thermostat Settings In Winter

You might be wondering 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 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 day. If you’re feeling too cold, there are a couple of other ways you can stay comfortable.
1. Set your ceiling fan in reverse when you’re in a room. This redistributes warm air that accumulates near the ceiling.
2. Select 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 offers an extra barrier against the cold.
3. Maximize natural warmth by opening south-facing window treatments during daytime. Don’t forget to shut them at night to reduce heat loss.
While Gone: If it dips below 30 degrees, setting your thermostat around 64-65 degrees is a sensible 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, 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 warmer 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 thicker pajamas.

Additional To Lower Energy Bills During 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 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 correctly. 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 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 price)!
Change 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 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 need 16-18″, while those in southern climates need 13-14″.
Get 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 down. A new heating system is a major investment, but Tokay Heating & Air 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 winter or any other home comfort questions, Tokay Heating & Air is here to assist you. We’re the heating and cooling company your friends and neighbors have relied on since year. Call us at (209) 257-3156 to schedule your appointment today.