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 review how to make sure your Shamokin and Sunbury home stays cozy 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 gone.

We’ll also go over how installing a smart thermostat can reduce heating bills, as well as a few of our top energy-saving tips for cold weather.

Our Suggestions for Energy Efficient Thermostat Settings in Winter

You might be wondering 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 cold, there are a couple of other ways you can stay comfortable.

  • 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, installing 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 under 30 degrees, setting your thermostat around 64-65 degrees is a wise choice while away. Your furnace won’t be heating an empty home, but it’ll be easy for the temperature to recover when you get back.

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 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 couple of days and sleep with more blankets or warmer pajamas.

Other Ways 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 low. But there are a few other things you can do to cut your bill.

  • Upgrade your thermostat. Programmable thermostats are inexpensive, 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 time-consuming process, especially if your schedule varies 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. Find out how you can get a free smart thermostat (or one at a greatly reduced price)!
  • Change 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 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 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 need 13-14″.
  • Install 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 comfier while keeping heating costs down. A new heating system is a major investment, but LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. helps make it more budget friendly 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 winter or any other home comfort issues, LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. is here to help you. We’re the heating and cooling company your friends and neighbors have depended on since {year}. Call us at 570-648-0748 to schedule your appointment today.