It's winter! And that means low temperatures and big 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 Cache Valley home stays cozy without costing you a fortune. With these ideas, 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 away.

We’ll also review how installing a smart thermostat can keep heating bills low, as well as a few of our top energy-saving tips for chilly weather.

Our Recommendations 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 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 best 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 chilly, there are a couple of other ways you can stay comfortable.

  • 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, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters. If your home has old or drafty windows, installing plastic sheeting or window blankets provides an extra barrier against the cold.
  • Maximize natural warmth by opening south-facing window treatments during daytime. Don’t forget to shut them at night to minimize heat loss.

While Gone

If it dips below 30 degrees, setting your thermostat around 64-65 degrees is a sensible choice while away. Your furnace won’t be pumping a lot of heat into an empty 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 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 gradually lowering it over the next couple of days and sleep with more blankets or thicker pajamas.

Options for You to Reduce Energy Bills During Winter

Keeping your thermostat at the right 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 trim 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 missing out on energy savings. While you can get your schedule set up, it can be a time-consuming process, especially if your schedule changes from day to day. A smart thermostat can eliminate all that work because it can develop an energy-efficient heating schedule based on your routine and temperature preferences. Learn how you can get a free smart thermostat (or one at a greatly reduced price)!
  • Change your furnace air filter often. A dirty air filter can cause a lot of problems for your furnace, including making it use more energy or even causing it to malfunction. That’s why it’s important to change yours every month 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 suffers from allergies or asthma, you may want to replace your filter more frequently.
  • 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 require 16-18", while those in southern climates require 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 major investment, but Western Mechanical, Inc. 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 winter or any other home comfort questions, Western Mechanical, Inc. is here to help you. We’re the heating and cooling company your friends and neighbors have relied on since year. Call us at 435-753-5515 to request your appointment today.