As the temperature drops outside, the debate over the thermostat often heats up inside. Are you wondering what the perfect temperature is to keep your home comfortable without sending your energy bill through the roof? You’re not alone. This guide breaks down the expert-recommended temperatures for winter, helping you optimize your home for both coziness and efficiency.
When it comes to finding that sweet spot on your thermostat, most experts, including the U.S. Department of Energy, point to one number as the ideal baseline for winter: 68°F (20°C). This recommendation is for the times when you are at home and awake.
While 68°F might sound a bit cool to some, it’s considered a strong starting point for energy efficiency. It’s a temperature at which most people can feel comfortable while wearing typical winter clothing like sweaters or fleece. The primary goal is to maintain comfort, not to create a tropical environment indoors while it’s freezing outside. Setting your thermostat higher than this can significantly increase your heating costs with diminishing returns in comfort.
A single temperature setting isn’t the most efficient way to manage your home’s climate. To truly optimize your heating, you should adjust the temperature based on your daily schedule. This strategy, known as a “setback,” can lead to significant savings.
Your body’s core temperature naturally drops when you sleep, and you’re typically bundled under warm blankets. Because of this, you don’t need your furnace working as hard overnight. Experts recommend lowering the thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees from your daytime setting. If 68°F is your daytime temperature, setting it to around 60-62°F (15-17°C) at night is an excellent way to save energy without sacrificing sleep quality. In fact, many studies suggest that a cooler room promotes deeper, more restful sleep.
There’s no reason to pay to heat an empty house to a comfortable temperature. If you’re going to be away for several hours, such as for work or school, apply the same logic as you do for sleeping. Lowering the thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees is the most effective strategy. A programmable or smart thermostat makes this incredibly easy, as it can automatically lower the temperature when you leave and begin warming the house back up just before you’re scheduled to return.
According to the Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting.
The expert advice isn’t just about picking a random number; it’s based on a careful balance of human comfort, health, and energy science.
Setting your thermostat correctly is the biggest step, but you can enhance your comfort and savings with these additional expert tips.
By combining a smart thermostat strategy with these practical home maintenance tips, you can create a warm, comfortable, and highly efficient home all winter long.
Is it cheaper to keep my house at one constant temperature? No, this is a common myth. Your furnace uses the most energy when it is actively running to heat the air. When you lower the thermostat, the furnace runs less often. While it does have to run for a bit longer to bring the temperature back up, the energy saved during the hours the house was at a lower temperature far outweighs the energy used to reheat it.
What is the best temperature for infants or elderly individuals? The standard recommendations may need to be adjusted for more vulnerable household members. For homes with infants or elderly individuals, it’s often best to keep the temperature a bit warmer and more consistent, typically between 68°F and 72°F (20-22°C), to ensure their safety and comfort. Always consult with a pediatrician or doctor for specific advice.
How can I feel warmer without turning up the heat? You can increase your personal comfort by dressing in layers, using warm blankets, and drinking warm beverages. Using a humidifier can also help the air feel warmer, as moist air holds heat better than dry air.