It's winter! And that means low temperatures and high 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 Goshen home stays warm without costing you an arm and a leg. 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 getting a smart thermostat can reduce heating bills, as well as a few of our top energy-saving tips for chilly weather.

Our Guide for the Best 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 chilly, there are a couple of other ways you can stay warm.

  • Run your ceiling fan in reverse when you’re in a room. This redistributes hot 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, putting up 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 the day. Don’t forget to close them at night to reduce heat loss.

While Gone

If it dips under 30 degrees, setting your thermostat around 64-65 degrees is a smart choice while gone. Your furnace won’t be heating an empty home, but it’ll be easy for the temperature to recover when you return.

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 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 warmer 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.

Additional 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 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 always 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 price)!
  • Replace your furnace air filter often. A dirty air filter can create 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 change yours every 30 days if you use a flat filter. Or every 90 days 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 more 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 need 13-14".
  • Install a new furnace. If your HVAC system is close to 15 years old, it’s time to start considering furnace installation. Getting an ENERGY STAR® furnace can keep you comfier while keeping heating costs down. A new heating system is a major investment, but Just Right Heating and 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 winter or any other home comfort questions, Just Right Heating and Cooling is here to assist you. We’re the heating and cooling company your friends and neighbors have trusted since year. Call us at 513-392-4969 to request your appointment now.