It's winter! And that means cold temperatures and high heating costs. If you're looking to cut your energy bills this season without sacrificing comfort, this guide is for you. We’ll discuss how to make sure your Phoenix 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 away.
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 Recommendations for Winter Thermostat Settings
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 smartest 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 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 hot air that accumulates near the ceiling.
- Select 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 the day. 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 sensible choice while away. Your furnace won’t be pumping a lot of heat into an empty 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, 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 cold 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 warmer pajamas.
Other Ways to Reduce 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 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 get your schedule set up, it can be a lengthy process, especially if your schedule changes from day to day. A smart thermostat can get rid of 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 regularly. A dirty air filter can create a lot of problems for your furnace, including making it consume more energy or even causing it to malfunction. That’s why it’s important to change 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 more insulation. Your home is probably 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".
- Install a new furnace. If your HVAC system is close to 15 years old, it’s time to start considering furnace installation. Getting an ENERGY STAR® furnace can keep you comfier while keeping heating costs down. A new heating system is a major investment, but Integrity AC & Heating LLC 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 winter or any other home comfort questions, Integrity AC & Heating LLC is here to assist you. We’re the heating and cooling company your friends and neighbors have depended on since year. Call us at 602-971-0567 to request your appointment now.