It's winter! And that means cold temperatures and big heating costs. If you're looking to reduce your energy bills this season without sacrificing comfort, this guide is for you. We’ll review how to make sure your Manassas home stays warm without costing you an arm and a leg. With these ideas, 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 go over how installing a smart thermostat can reduce heating bills, as well as a few of our favorite energy-saving tips for chilly 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 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 daytime. If you’re feeling too chilly, 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 warm air that accumulates 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.
- Make the most of natural warmth by opening south-facing window treatments during the day. Don’t forget to shut them at night to reduce heat loss.
While Gone
If it dips under 30 degrees, setting your thermostat between 64 and 65 degrees is a wise choice while gone. Your furnace won’t be heating a vacant home, but it’ll be easy for the temperature to recover when you return.
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 comfortable 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 recommends a thermostat setting of 64-65 degrees.
That might seem too cold if you’re accustomed to a warmer temperature. If you’re used to sleeping at 68 degrees, try progressively lowering it over the next couple of days and sleep with more blankets or warmer pajamas.
Other Ways to Lower Energy Costs in the Winter
Keeping your thermostat at the right temperature in the winter is a good start with keeping energy costs low. But there are a few other things you can do to trim your bill.
- Get a new thermostat. Programmable thermostats are cheap, but most households don’t have them set up correctly. If yours is always on “hold,” you’re at a disadvantage for 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 get rid of all that work 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 often. A dirty air filter can cause a lot of problems for your furnace, including making it use more energy or even causing it to malfunction. That’s why it’s important to change 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 has allergies or asthma, you may want to change your filter more often.
- 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 require 16-18", while those in southern climates require 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. Getting an ENERGY STAR® furnace can keep you comfier while keeping heating costs low. A new heating system is a big investment, but Woody's Sudden Service Inc helps make it more affordable through rebates, special offers and financing for qualified customers.
Whenever you have concerns about what is the best temperature to set your thermostat at, energy efficiency during winter or any other home comfort issues, Woody's Sudden Service Inc is here to assist you. We’re the heating and cooling company your friends and neighbors have relied on since 1979. Call us at 703-278-2036 to request your appointment now.