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 Phoenix home stays cozy without costing you an arm and a leg. With these tips, 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 away.

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 chilly weather.

Our Recommendations 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 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 the day. If you’re feeling too chilly, 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 hot air that accumulates near the ceiling.
  • Choose energy-efficient window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters. If your home has old or drafty windows, installing 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 below 30 degrees, setting your thermostat around 64-65 degrees is a sensible choice while gone. Your furnace won’t be pumping a lot of heat into 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, 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 get a better night’s sleep. The National Sleep Foundation recommends 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 Lower 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 trim your bill.

  • Get a new thermostat. Programmable thermostats are cheap, but most households don’t have them set up properly. If yours is constantly on “hold,” you’re at a disadvantage for energy savings. While you can program yours, it can be a lengthy process, especially if your schedule varies from day to day. A smart thermostat can get rid of all that work 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 cost)!
  • Replace your furnace air filter regularly. A dirty air filter can cause 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 90 days if you use a pleated filter. If you have pets or someone in your home has allergies or asthma, you may want to change 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 require 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 more comfortable while keeping heating costs low. A new heating system is a big investment, but Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & 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 questions, Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc is here to assist you. We’re the heating and cooling company your friends and neighbors have depended on since year. Call us at 602-789-3315 to request your appointment now.