It's winter! And that means low temperatures and high heating costs. If you're looking to cut your energy bills this season without sacrificing comfort, this guide is for you. We’ll review how to make sure your Tucson 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 gone.
We’ll also review how getting a smart thermostat can reduce heating bills, as well as a few of our favorite energy-saving tips for cold weather.
Our Suggestions 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 best 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.
- Set your ceiling fan in reverse when you’re in a room. This redistributes hot 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, installing plastic sheeting or window blankets offers an additional barrier against the cold.
- Make the most of 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 between 64 and 65 degrees is a sensible choice while away. Your furnace won’t be heating 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 somewhat 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 chilly if you’re used 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.
Other Ways to Reduce Energy Costs in the Winter
Keeping your thermostat at the ideal temperature in the winter is a good start with 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 properly. If yours is always 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 fluctuates from day to day. A smart thermostat can get rid of all that work 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 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 malfunction. 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 change 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 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 A&M Heating & Cooling LLC helps make it more budget friendly through rebates, special offers and financing for qualified customers.
Whenever you have questions about what is the best temperature to set your thermostat at, energy efficiency during winter or any other home comfort questions, A&M Heating & Cooling LLC is here to help you. We’re the heating and cooling company your friends and neighbors have relied on since 2016. Call us at 520-200-1048 to request your appointment today.