What Temperature Should I Set My Thermostat In The Winter?

There isn’t just one consistent temperature at which to set the thermostat. 

The best temperature is the one that will save you the most money while keeping you comfortable.

It should change for when you’re at home, when the house is empty, and when you’re asleep.

According to ENERGY STAR, setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) when you’re home is the ideal balance of comfort and energy efficiency.

Set the thermostat to between 61 – 66 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re out of the home. The lower end will be better because, well, you’re not home to feel the cold.

When you’re at home during the day, the temperature should be around 68 – 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

When you’re asleep, it’s the blanket’s turn to take over the job of warming you up, return the temperature you had when you were out, around 61- 66 degrees.

These changes mean a smart or programmable thermostat is convenient to have installed.

Instead of always tinkering with the temperature and forgetting to turn the thermostat down as you run out the door, you can program it to lower or raise at certain times.

Why These Furnace Temperatures?

The ideal temperature is still a personal decision, but the guidelines recommended should keep you comfortable during the winter without creating an expensive bill every month. 

Luckily, if you find the lower end of our recommendations too cold, you can constantly adjust as the winter progresses.

A temperature adjustment of one degree can reduce your bill by one percent.

The body quickly acclimates to consistent temperatures, meaning as you get used to a specific temperature, you can slowly lower the temperature without discomfort.

If you find your bills are still high or that your HVAC system is running a lot despite the low temperatures, take some steps to improve your home’s energy efficiency. 

The programmable thermostat mentioned above is one thing every home should have if it’s not there already, but also make sure that your home is well insulated. 

Make sure to schedule regular maintenance for your home’s furnace if the problem is technical.

Denver Thermostat Service by First String Heating