It's winter! And that means cold temperatures and high heating costs. If you're looking to reduce your energy bills this season without compromising comfort, this guide is for you. We’ll discuss how to make sure your Carpentersville home stays cozy without costing you a fortune. With these ideas, 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 keep heating bills low, as well as a few of our top energy-saving tips for cold weather.

Our Guide for Energy Efficient 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 level 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 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 cold, 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 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 offers 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 reduce heat loss.

While Gone

If it dips under 30 degrees, setting your thermostat around 64-65 degrees is a wise choice while away. 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 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 cold if you’re used to a higher temperature. If you’re used to sleeping at 68 degrees, try progressively lowering it over the next few days and sleep with more blankets or warmer pajamas.

Additional to Lower Energy Costs in the Winter

Keeping your thermostat at the ideal temperature in the winter is a good first step to keeping energy costs low. But there are a few other things you can do to cut your bill.

  • Get a new thermostat. Programmable thermostats are inexpensive, but most households don’t have them set up properly. If yours is always on “hold,” you’re missing out on energy savings. While you can get your schedule set up, it can be a time-consuming process, especially if your schedule changes from day to day. A smart thermostat can eliminate all those steps 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)!
  • 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 30 days 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 replace your filter more frequently.
  • Add extra 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 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 low. A new heating system is a major investment, but Controlled Comfort HVAC helps make it more budget friendly 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 issues, Controlled Comfort HVAC is here to help you. We’re the heating and cooling company your friends and neighbors have depended on since year. Call us at 224-412-8308 to schedule your appointment now.