It's winter! And that means low temperatures and high heating costs. If you're looking to cut your energy bills this season without compromising comfort, this guide is for you. We’ll discuss how to make sure your Mankato area home stays cozy without costing you a fortune. With these ideas, it'll be easy to keep cozy 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 getting 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 thinking 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 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 comfortable.

  • Set your ceiling fan in reverse when you’re in a room. This redistributes warm 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, installing plastic sheeting or window blankets provides an extra 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 wise choice while gone. Your furnace won’t be heating an empty home, but it’ll be easy for the temperature to bounce back when you return.

You may want to set the thermostat somewhat 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 advises a thermostat setting of 64-65 degrees.

That might seem too chilly if you’re accustomed 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 Manage Energy Bills During 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.

  • Get a new thermostat. Programmable thermostats are cheap, but most households don’t have them set up correctly. 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 eliminate 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)!
  • Change your furnace air filter often. A dirty air filter can create a lot of problems for your furnace, including making it use more energy or even causing it to malfunction. That’s why it’s important to change yours every month 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 suffers from allergies or asthma, you may want to replace your filter more often.
  • Add more insulation. Your home is probably among the 90% in the U.S. that don’t have enough attic insulation. Homes in northern climates need 16-18", while those in southern climates need 13-14".
  • Get a new furnace. If your HVAC system is nearly 15 years old, it’s time to start thinking about furnace installation. Installing an ENERGY STAR® furnace can keep you more comfortable while keeping heating costs down. A new heating system is a big investment, but Northern Comfort Inc 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 cold weather or any other home comfort issues, Northern Comfort 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 507-387-6596 to schedule your appointment now.