It's winter! And that means low temperatures and high heating costs. If you're looking to cut your energy bills this season without sacrificing comfort, this guide is for you. We’ll discuss how to make sure your Saint Louis home stays warm without costing you a fortune. With these tips, 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 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 Suggestions for Winter Thermostat Settings
You might be wondering 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 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 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 warm air that collects near the ceiling.
- Choose 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 offers 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 reduce heat loss.
While Gone
If it dips under 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 recover when you get back.
You may want to set the thermostat somewhat 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 chilly if you’re used to a warmer 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.
A Few Other Ways You Can Lower Energy Bills During Winter
Keeping your thermostat at the right temperature in the winter is a good first step to keeping energy costs down. But there are a few other things you can do to cut your bill.
- Upgrade your thermostat. Programmable thermostats are inexpensive, 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 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 cost)!
- Replace your furnace air filter regularly. A dirty air filter can create 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 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 has allergies or asthma, you may want to replace 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 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 more comfortable while keeping heating costs low. A new heating system is a big investment, but Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating helps make it more affordable 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, Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating is here to assist you. We’re the heating and cooling company your friends and neighbors have relied on since year. Call us at 314-262-4541 to schedule your appointment now.