It’s winter! And that means low temperatures and big heating costs. If you’re looking to cut your energy bills this season without sacrificing comfort, this guide is for you. We’ll discuss how to make sure your Carson City 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 review 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 review how getting a smart thermostat can keep heating bills low, as well as a few of our favorite energy-saving tips for cold weather.

Our Suggestions 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 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 warm.

  • Run your ceiling fan in reverse when you’re in a room. This redistributes hot air that gathers near the ceiling.
  • Choose 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.
  • Maximize natural warmth by opening south-facing window treatments during the day. 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 a vacant 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, 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 sleep better. The National Sleep Foundation recommends a thermostat setting of 64-65 degrees.

That might seem too cold if you’re used 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 warmer pajamas.

Additional to Lower Energy Costs in the 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 cut your bill.

  • Upgrade your thermostat. Programmable thermostats are cheap, but most households don’t have them set up correctly. If yours is always on “hold,” you’re missing out on energy savings. While you can program yours, it can be a time-consuming process, especially if your schedule changes from day to day. A smart thermostat can get rid of all those steps because it can create 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 cost)!
  • Replace your furnace air filter regularly. A dirty air filter can cause 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 change 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 need 16-18″, while those in southern climates need 13-14″.
  • Get a new furnace. If your HVAC system is nearly 15 years old, it’s time to start thinking about furnace installation. Installing an ENERGY STAR® furnace can keep you more comfortable while keeping heating costs down. A new heating system is a major investment, but Anderson Heating & A/C 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, Anderson Heating & A/C is here to assist you. We’re the heating and cooling company your friends and neighbors have trusted since year. Call us at 775-854-9700 to request your appointment now.