It's winter! And that means low temperatures and big heating costs. If you're looking to cut your energy bills this season without sacrificing comfort, this guide is for you. We’ll review how to make sure your Beckley home stays cozy without costing you a fortune. With these tips, 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 gone.
We’ll also go over how getting a smart thermostat can reduce heating bills, 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 depends 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 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 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 additional barrier against the cold.
- Maximize 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 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 recommends a thermostat setting of 64-65 degrees.
That might seem too cold if you’re accustomed to a higher 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 warmer pajamas.
A Few Other Ways You Can 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 cut your bill.
- Upgrade your thermostat. Programmable thermostats are inexpensive, 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 varies 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 consume more energy or even causing it to break down. 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 replace your filter more frequently.
- Add extra 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 require 13-14".
- Get a new furnace. If your HVAC system is nearly 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 Appalachian Heating helps make it more budget friendly 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, Appalachian Heating is here to help you. We’re the heating and cooling company your friends and neighbors have depended on since year. Call us at 304-707-0600 to request your appointment today.