It's winter! And that means cold temperatures and high 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 Pella home stays warm without costing you an arm and a leg. With these ideas, 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 away.

We’ll also go over how getting a smart thermostat can keep heating bills low, as well as a few of our top energy-saving tips for chilly weather.

Our Guide 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 depends 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 the day. 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.
  • 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 daytime. 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 wise 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 bounce back when you get back.

You may want to set the thermostat somewhat 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 comfortable 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 advises a thermostat setting of 64-65 degrees.

That might seem too chilly if you’re used to a higher temperature. If you’re used to sleeping at 68 degrees, try gradually lowering it over the next few days and sleep with more blankets or thicker pajamas.

Other Ways to Manage Energy Bills During Winter

Keeping your thermostat at the ideal 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.

  • Upgrade your thermostat. Programmable thermostats are inexpensive, 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 program yours, it can be a time-consuming process, especially if your schedule changes 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 price)!
  • 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 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 suffers from allergies or asthma, you may want to change your filter more frequently.
  • Add extra insulation. Your home is probably among the 90% in the U.S. that don’t have adequate 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 considering furnace installation. Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR® furnace can keep you more comfortable while keeping heating costs down. A new heating system is a major investment, but Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating helps make it more affordable through rebates, special offers and financing for qualified customers.

Whenever you have concerns about what the best temperature is to set your thermostat to, energy efficiency during cold weather or any other home comfort issues, Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating is here to assist you. We’re the heating and cooling company your friends and neighbors have relied on since year. Call us at 641-628-3621 to request your appointment now.