It's winter! And that means cold temperatures and high heating costs. If you're looking to reduce your energy bills this season without compromising comfort, this guide is for you. We’ll discuss how to make sure your Sacramento home stays cozy without costing you an arm and a leg. 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 gone.
We’ll also go over how installing a smart thermostat can reduce heating bills, as well as a few of our top energy-saving tips for chilly weather.
Our Expert Opinion for Winter Thermostat Settings
You might be thinking if 70 is a good temperature for the winter. It can be, but it also varies based 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 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 cold, there are a couple of other ways you can stay comfortable.
- Run your ceiling fan in reverse when you’re in a room. This redistributes warm air that collects near the ceiling.
- Select energy-efficient window treatments, such as 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 daytime. 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 wise choice while away. Your furnace won’t be pumping a lot of heat into 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, particularly 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 used to a warmer temperature. If you’re used to sleeping at 68 degrees, try gradually lowering it over the next few days and sleep with more blankets or warmer pajamas.
Additional to Reduce Energy Costs in the 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 things you can do to cut your bill.
- Upgrade your thermostat. Programmable thermostats are cheap, but most households don’t have them set up correctly. If yours is constantly 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 changes from day to day. A smart thermostat can eliminate all those steps 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 use 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 more insulation. Your home is likely 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 need 13-14".
- Get a new furnace. If your HVAC system is close to 15 years old, it’s time to start considering furnace installation. Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR® furnace can keep you comfier while keeping heating costs down. A new heating system is a big investment, but Bishop’s HVAC helps make it more budget friendly 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 cold weather or any other home comfort questions, Bishop’s HVAC is here to help you. We’re the heating and cooling company your friends and neighbors have relied on since year. Call us at 916-591-6889 to request your appointment now.