Does your family constantly argue about thermostat settings in the winter? It’s time to settle the family dispute over the right thermostat temperature in winter.
In this article we will help you answer these questions:
- What temperature is best to set your thermostat to in winter?
- What temperature should you set your thermostat to at night in winter?
- What temperature should you set your thermostat to when traveling in the winter?
- What is the lowest temperature to set your thermostat in winter?
Let’s now start with the most important question:
What Heating Temperature Should My Thermostat Be Set to in Winter?
Every person reacts differently to the weather and the change of seasons. The temperature outside can disrupt our mood and cause us to adjust the temperature by turning on the furnace, laying under a fleece blanket, and watching something on the couch.
However, the truth is that heating your home in winter takes a lot of energy. And with natural gas prices expected to be 45% higher than last winter, families across the United States must find a way to reduce their heating bills while keeping the family warm.
The best way to save energy and reduce your monthly heating costs is to properly adjust your thermostat to keep the temperature in your home at the right comfort level this winter.
The Ideal Temperature During Winter
According to ENERGY STAR, the best temperature to set your thermostat this winter is 68 degrees Fahrenheit. 68 degrees may seem like a low number to many, but there are benefits to limiting your home to this temperature.
Forcing your furnace or heating system to keep indoor temperatures high even though it’s frosty outside can put a lot of strain on your HVAC. A furnace that is constantly running to reach a higher temperature setting will drive up your heating costs, and the additional operating load on your system can increase the risk of furnace repair.
Maintaining a moderate temperature setting for heating your home this winter will not only provide enough warmth for your family, but can also result in energy savings by reducing your heating energy bill costs and increasing the life of your furnace.
What Should I Set My Thermostat to in Winter At Night?
You’d think that when temperatures drop at night in the winter, you’d want to turn on the furnace when you go to sleep, right? Not so fast.
The U.S. Department of Energy says an indoor temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit is best at night. Setting your thermostat to a lower temperature at night can actually help you sleep better. Doctors know that our body temperature drops at night. If it is too cold or too hot indoors at night, our body’s internal temperature will fluctuate and sleep may become more irregular.
Best Temperature to Set a Thermostat in Winter While Away
Are you heading away from home and somewhere warm this winter? (Lucky) Maybe you’ve had the idea of saving energy by turning off your furnace completely while on vacation. You always want to keep the heater at a certain level, especially if pets are left at home.
If you have houseplants or pets that won’t come along, consider adjusting your thermostat accordingly. Houseplants require an indoor temperature of at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit to stay alive. And for your four-legged friends, keeping the thermostat no lower than 64 degrees Fahrenheit will keep your pets safe and comfortable while you’re away.
What’s The Lowest Temperature I Can Set My Thermostat in Winter?
To prevent your appliances and pipes from freezing, the thermostat setting should be at least between 50 and 55 degrees in the winter. The worst way to end a vacation or wake up one morning is to a frozen dishwasher or a flooded basement.
The same applies to vacation properties that remain unoccupied in the winter or to rental properties without tenants for the winter. You always want to have some warmth in the house to protect yourself from property damage.
Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat
It often doesn’t make sense to pay to replace a working product unless it can save you money. With programmable thermostats or a smart thermostat, you can save money by reducing your heating costs year-round. Here you can program your temperature settings according to the recommendations of our home comfort specialists and set your thermostat on autopilot.
Whether you’re sleeping, commuting, or playing in the snow with the kids, upgrading your thermostat can help you control your home’s heating schedule while saving up to 10 to 12 percent on your annual heating bills.
Additional Cost-Saving Thermostat Tips for Winter
Here are some other quick tips to help you reduce your utility bills while maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature for the whole family to enjoy.
Lower Temperature Settings Gradually
Once your family gets used to the cold winter weather, lower the temperature in the house by one degree each week. Ultimately, you will all feel more comfortable with a lower thermostat setting, thereby reducing heating costs.
Maintain Your Furnace Annually
It’s important to schedule heating maintenance each fall before the temperatures outside get really cold. A well-maintained boiler or heating system will ensure your family stays comfortable this winter and potential problems are proactively identified before the system fails.
Invest in a New Energy-Efficient Heating System
If your existing system is more than 10 years old, it’s time to think about installing a new furnace and upgrading to a newer HVAC system. Furnaces built today are up to 15% more efficient and can produce the same, if not more, heat than older models.
Consider Multi-Zoned HVAC Options
A multi-zone heating and cooling system allows you to set your HVAC system to a different comfortable temperature in different parts of your home. Although multi-zone heating systems are more expensive than a typical HVAC unit, they offer the best control over the indoor temperature throughout the home.
Keep Your Home Comfortable This Winter With TUDI Mechanical Systems
Looking for other ways to cut costs this winter? TUDI Mechanical Systems is Pittsburgh’s leading home service provider offering heating and cooling services. Call us to schedule a routine inspection of your HVAC system today.