It's winter! And that means cold temperatures and high heating costs. If you're looking to reduce your energy bills this season without sacrificing comfort, this guide is for you. We’ll review how to make sure your Tucson home stays cozy without costing you an arm and a leg. With these tips, 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 gone.
We’ll also review how getting a smart thermostat can keep heating bills low, as well as a few of our favorite energy-saving tips for chilly weather.
Our Recommendations 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 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 daytime. If you’re feeling too cold, 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 accumulates 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 extra barrier against the cold.
- Maximize natural warmth by opening south-facing window treatments during the day. Don’t forget to shut them at night to minimize heat loss.
While Gone
If it dips below 30 degrees, setting your thermostat between 64 and 65 degrees is a sensible 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 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 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 couple of days and sleep with more blankets or thicker pajamas.
Other Ways to Lower Energy Costs in the Winter
Keeping your thermostat at the right temperature in the winter is a good start with keeping energy costs down. 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 always 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 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 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 likely among the 90% in the U.S. that don’t have adequate attic insulation. Homes in northern climates need 16-18", while those in southern climates require 13-14".
- Install a new furnace. If your HVAC system is nearly 15 years old, it’s time to start considering furnace installation. Installing an ENERGY STAR® furnace can keep you more comfortable while keeping heating costs down. A new heating system is a big investment, but Ambient Air helps make it more affordable through rebates, special offers and financing for qualified customers.
Whenever you have questions about what is the best temperature to set your thermostat at, energy efficiency during winter or any other home comfort issues, Ambient Air is here to assist you. We’re the heating and cooling company your friends and neighbors have relied on since 2001. Call us at 520-357-4912 to request your appointment now.