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Best Temperature to Set Thermostat in Winter to Save Money

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In the winter, the thermostat can be a source of contention amongst family members. You’ll be pleased to know that there are official guidelines for the most pleasant, energy-efficient winter thermostat settings, which should put an end to the thermostat wars once and for all. When no one is home, lowering the temperature by seven to ten degrees can do double duty by reducing your annual heating expenditure by as much as ten percent while also reducing any associated stress.

The recommended temperature for a home’s thermostat during the winter is 68 degrees Fahrenheit, as stated by various sources, including the Energy Saver website maintained by the United States Department of Energy. For most adults, the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests a minimum acceptable indoor temperature of 64 degrees Fahrenheit; for homes with infants, small children, the elderly, and others with compromised health, the suggested temperature is a few degrees higher. Keep in mind that safety is priority number one, so don’t go lowering the thermostat any further than recommended.

Adjusting Your Internal Thermostat

It’s recommended to gradually adjust to the lower temperature if 68 degrees Fahrenheit is too chilly for you or your roommates. Direct Energy recommends making a one-degree reduction in temperature per week to ease people into the change. Adding a sweater and some warm slippers to your indoor attire will make you feel more at ease in the chillier air.

Thermostat Placement and Heating

Where you put your thermostat might also have an impact on how much heat you get. Placing your thermostat in a particularly sunny or warm area of the house can cause it to report an inflated temperature. To prevent this, the thermostat should not be placed in direct sunlight or directly above air vents or in the kitchen, corridor, near doors, or windows. Avoid getting a false reading from the thermostat by keeping any space heaters at least three feet away from the unit.

Getting More Out of Your Thermostat

You can choose from a number of different thermostats, each with its own set of benefits. With a Wi-Fi thermostat, you can monitor and adjust the temperature from anywhere in the house using a mobile device app. Smart thermostats are similar to Wi-Fi thermostats in that they allow you to control the temperature remotely, but they also have the ability to make adjustments based on the time of day, the weather, and in some cases, motion sensors to only heat the areas you’re actually in. Depending on the design, programmable thermostats can also be operated from a central location or remotely. However, not all models are compatible with heat pumps or electric baseboard heaters. If you don’t need to make adjustments from afar or create unique heating and cooling plans, a standard thermostat may be the best option for you because of its lower price tag.

If you want to save money on your heating bill and keep the peace in your home, you should make sure your thermostat is set to the most energy-efficient temperature possible. When debating what temperature to set the thermostat at this winter, keep in mind that there are official guidelines for the most pleasant settings, and that setting the thermostat lower when no one is home can reduce your heating costs by as much as 10 percent.

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