By following a few energy-saving strategies, you can make a big difference during the chilly months of winter. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, it’s possible to save 10 percent a year on energy bills by being conservative with thermostat settings year-round. The optimal winter thermostat setting is the lowest comfortable temperature, which is usually 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
“I prefer setting the thermostat to around 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) during the day. This temperature strikes a balance between comfort and energy efficiency,” says Josh Mitchell, HVAC technician and founder of Air Conditioner Lab. “At night, lowering it to about 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius) is comfortable for sleeping and helps save on heating costs.”
According to the Department of Energy, setting your thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature, which is typically 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter, helps slow down heat loss for homes with a regular furnace or baseboard heating system. However, that’s not the case for homes with heat pumps. Dialing down the thermostat too much can make a heat pump less efficient.
Everyone has a different comfort zone when it comes to temperatures. Just because 68 degrees can be an ideal temperature for a house in terms of reducing energy consumption doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. Some people may prefer to set the thermostat slightly higher, at 70 degrees, and that’s okay.
When I first moved into my home, I found 68 degrees a bit chilly, especially on those freezing January mornings. So, I bumped it up to 70 for a couple of weeks until I got used to the cooler setting. If you’re like me and prefer a slightly warmer vibe, don’t feel bad about tweaking the thermostat a degree or two higher—it’s all about finding what works for you. For homes with heat pumps, keep in mind that dropping below 68 degrees might force the system to work harder, as heat pumps rely on steady heat transfer. A study from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory suggests that heat pumps lose about 5-10% efficiency when set below their optimal range, so you might end up spending more to stay warm if you go too low. Instead, try layering up with a cozy sweater to ease into that 68-degree sweet spot.
Strategic Thermostat Placement for Energy Savings
It’s essential to install your thermostat in the right location to prevent inaccurate temperature readings. Called ‘ghost readings,’ a thermostat may be triggered to run unnecessarily if placed near drafts, sunlight, and doorways. If air flow near the thermostat is blocked by furniture, it also may not run effectively. Mitchell says that the best place to locate a thermostat is on an interior wall that experiences the natural air flow in the home and is away from direct sunlight, drafts, doorways, and windows.
I once had a thermostat right by a sunny window, and let me tell you, it was a disaster—my heater barely turned on because the thermostat thought the house was warmer than it actually was! Moving it to a hallway wall made all the difference. To add to Mitchell’s advice, consider the height of the thermostat too—about 5 feet off the ground is ideal, as it captures the average room temperature without being skewed by floor-level drafts or ceiling heat. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, improper thermostat placement can lead to up to 3% higher energy use due to unnecessary heating cycles. If you’re unsure about your thermostat’s spot, try using a portable thermometer to compare readings around your home and find the most neutral location.
Lowering the Thermostat for Savings
Unless you work from home, turning the thermostat down during the workday can mean higher savings on your energy bill. However, if you have pets, set the thermostat to a temperature that will keep them comfortable while you’re gone. For many furry pets, cooler temperatures are a welcome respite. Still, the exact comfort zone will vary depending on the kind of pet and the animal’s size. Another ideal time to lower the indoor temperature is while you sleep. After all, research suggests that most people sleep poorly in overly warm conditions.
My dog, a fluffy golden retriever, loves when I drop the thermostat to 62 degrees while I’m at work—he sprawls out like he’s on a cool mountain vacation! But seriously, for pets like mine, anything above 60 degrees is usually fine, though smaller or short-haired animals might need it closer to 65. The Department of Energy notes that lowering your thermostat by 10 degrees for 8 hours daily can cut heating costs by up to 10% annually. To make this easier, I started setting my thermostat to dip at night when I’m bundled under blankets anyway. If you’re worried about pipes in super cold climates, keep the temperature above 55 degrees to avoid freezing—trust me, a burst pipe is way more expensive than a slightly higher bill!
Additional Money-Saving Tips
Mitchell recommends a few other money-saving tips:
- Use a programmable thermostat: This allows you to automatically set specific temperatures for different times of the day.
- Seal drafts: Insulate windows and doors to prevent heat loss.
- Maintain your HVAC system: Regular maintenance ensures your heating system runs efficiently.
- Wear layered clothing: Dressing warmly can allow you to keep the thermostat at a lower temperature.
These tips are gold, especially the one about sealing drafts. I used to feel a chilly breeze by my front door every winter until I added weatherstripping—it was like night and day! To build on Mitchell’s suggestions, consider using thermal curtains to trap heat, which can reduce heat loss through windows by up to 25%, according to energy efficiency studies. Also, don’t skip that HVAC tune-up; a clogged filter can cut your system’s efficiency by 5-15%, forcing it to burn more energy. If you’re on a budget, even small DIY fixes like caulking around window frames can save you a few bucks each month. And honestly, there’s something satisfying about throwing on a thick pair of socks and a hoodie instead of cranking up the heat—it’s like you’re outsmarting winter!
Gradual Temperature Adjustments
Your body requires time to adapt to slightly cooler temperatures. So there’s no need to (literally) go cold turkey when cooler outdoor temps arrive. Lower the temperature gradually, so you have time to adjust to being a little chilly. Until you acclimate, wear layers, don warm socks, and have a snuggly blanket on hand.
I learned this the hard way when I dropped my thermostat to 65 degrees overnight and woke up shivering! Easing into it over a week or two was much better. A good rule of thumb is to lower the temperature by 1-2 degrees every few days. This approach not only helps you adjust but also keeps your heating system from overworking. Research from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) shows that gradual changes help maintain indoor air quality and comfort while still cutting energy use. Plus, having a cozy throw blanket on the couch makes those cooler evenings feel like a treat rather than a challenge.
Maintain Your Heating System
Regardless of how low you set the thermostat, you won’t save on your heating bill if your furnace or heating system works inefficiently. Make sure to do the following:
- Get your furnace serviced once a year to make sure it’s in working order. Do this in the fall before winter weather sets in.
- Change or clean filters regularly as dirty filters restrict airflow and reduce efficiency.
- Keep vents unobstructed to ensure that furniture or curtains are not blocking air vents.
- Check window and door frames for air leaks and seal the leaks you find. If your windows are old, consider an upgrade to energy-efficient ones.
- Take advantage of natural sunlight. On very sunny days, open the window shades to let the warm light pour in.
I can’t stress enough how much a yearly furnace checkup saves you in the long run—I skipped it one year, and my energy bill spiked because the system was struggling. A pro tip: mark your calendar for early fall to schedule that service so you’re not scrambling when it’s already freezing. Also, letting sunlight in during the day is a game-changer; my living room feels 5 degrees warmer just by opening the blinds on sunny days. Energy Star estimates that upgrading to double-pane windows can save you $125-$450 a year, depending on your home’s size and location. Even if new windows aren’t in the budget, a $10 tube of caulk for drafty frames is a quick fix that pays off.
Balancing Temperature Settings
“Setting the thermostat too high in winter can lead to excessive energy consumption and higher utility bills,” Mitchell explains. “Conversely, setting it too low might not provide adequate comfort and could even risk pipes freezing. The key is to find a balanced setting that ensures comfort without overburdening your heating system.”
Finding that balance is like walking a tightrope sometimes. I aim for 68 degrees during the day, but if I’m feeling chilly, I’ll nudge it up to 69 rather than blasting it to 72. Mitchell’s point about frozen pipes is no joke—in cold climates, anything below 55 degrees when you’re away can be risky. A 2021 report from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety noted that burst pipes account for 20% of winter-related home insurance claims. To avoid this, I keep a small space heater in my basement as a backup for extra-cold nights, which lets me lower the main thermostat without worry.
Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
Consider investing in a programmable thermostat that’ll automatically adjust the temperature for you. Programmable thermostats are ideal for people with consistent schedules. “I’m a strong advocate for smart thermostats,” Mitchell says. “They offer advanced features like learning your schedule, remote control via a smartphone app, and energy usage reports, which not only enhances energy efficiency but also contributes to a more comfortable living environment.”
If your day-to-day routine is a bit more haphazard than a regular 9 to 5, consider a smart thermostat. Helpful features of some smart thermostats include settings that automatically detect your absence and lower the thermostat temperature while you’re gone. Some units can adjust the indoor temperature based on weather data. “The ability to monitor and adjust your home’s temperature settings from anywhere can lead to cost savings and reduce your carbon footprint,” Mitchell explains.
I got a smart thermostat last year, and it’s been a lifesaver for my unpredictable schedule. Being able to tweak the temp from my phone while I’m out means I’m not wasting heat when I get stuck at the office late. According to Energy Star, smart thermostats can save an average of 8% on heating and cooling costs, which for me was about $100 a year. Some models even send you monthly reports showing exactly how much energy you’re using, which is super helpful for spotting patterns. If you’re tech-savvy, look for one with geofencing—it’ll lower the heat when you leave the house and warm things up when you’re on your way back.