It’s winter! And that means cold temperatures and high heating costs. If you’re looking to cut your energy bills this season without compromising comfort, this guide is for you. We’ll discuss how to make sure your Michigan City home stays cozy without costing you a fortune. With these tips, it’ll be easy to keep warm all winter long!

Let’s go over 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 top energy-saving tips for cold weather.

Our Expert Opinion for the Best 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 down.

What Temperature to Set Your Thermostat in Winter During the Day

While Home

The DOE recommends 68 degrees during the day. If you’re feeling too chilly, there are a couple of other ways you can stay comfortable.

  • Set your ceiling fan in reverse when you’re in a room. This redistributes hot air that gathers near the ceiling.
  • Select 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 provides an additional barrier against the cold.
  • Maximize natural warmth by opening south-facing window treatments during the day. Don’t forget to close them at night to minimize heat loss.

While Gone

If it dips below 30 degrees, setting your thermostat around 64-65 degrees is a smart choice while gone. Your furnace won’t be heating a vacant home, but it’ll be easy for the temperature to bounce back 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 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 accustomed to a warmer temperature. If you’re used to sleeping at 68 degrees, try slowly lowering it over the next couple of days and sleep with more blankets or thicker pajamas.

Options for You to Reduce Energy Costs in the 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 constantly on “hold,” you’re missing out on energy savings. While you can program yours, it can be a lengthy process, especially if your schedule fluctuates from day to day. A smart thermostat can eliminate all that work because it can develop 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)!
  • Change 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 30 days 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 has allergies or asthma, you may want to replace your filter more frequently.
  • Add extra 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 require 13-14″.
  • Get a new furnace. If your HVAC system is nearly 15 years old, it’s time to start considering furnace installation. Getting an ENERGY STAR® furnace can keep you more comfortable while keeping heating costs down. A new heating system is a major investment, but Paniccia Heating & Cooling 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 cold weather or any other home comfort questions, Paniccia Heating & Cooling is here to help you. We’re the heating and cooling company your friends and neighbors have relied on since {year}. Call us at 219-872-2198 to schedule your appointment now.