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 review how to make sure your Columbus home stays warm 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 away.

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

Our Recommendations 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 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 under control.

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 comfortable.

  • Run your ceiling fan in reverse when you’re in a room. This redistributes warm 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 additional barrier against the cold.
  • Maximize 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 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 recover 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 sleep better. The National Sleep Foundation recommends a thermostat setting of 64-65 degrees.

That might seem too chilly if you’re accustomed to a warmer temperature. If you’re used to sleeping at 68 degrees, try slowly lowering it over the next few days and sleep with more blankets or thicker pajamas.

Additional 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 down. But there are a few other steps you can take to cut your bill.

  • Get a new thermostat. Programmable thermostats are cheap, but most households don’t have them set up properly. If yours is always on “hold,” you’re missing out on energy savings. While you can program yours, it can be a lengthy process, especially if your schedule changes from day to day. A smart thermostat can get rid of all those steps because it can develop 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 price)!
  • Change your furnace air filter often. 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 replace 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 has 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 adequate attic insulation. Homes in northern climates need 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 Classic Air helps make it more affordable 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 winter or any other home comfort issues, Classic Air is here to help you. We’re the heating and cooling company your friends and neighbors have relied on since year. Call us at 614-210-3041 to request your appointment today.