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    • What should you set your thermostat to in winter? Experts weigh in
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    What should you set your thermostat to in winter? Experts weigh in

    Umito Posted on

    Partners, roommates and family members may argue over the thermostat as the cold months approach, but experts offer advice on optimal settings to avoid conflict.

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    Unless you live alone, there’s a good chance you’ll have conflicts with your partner, roommates, or other family members over the ideal temperature in your home in winter.

    It’s a debate as old as HVAC system itself: what is the ideal thermostat setting to balance personal comfort and the bank?

    And now that the cold months are upon us, the battles over the thermostat are sure to begin.

    According to what type of HVAC system you have and how well you deal with the cold, you could save money by understanding the best method for programming your thermostat.

    So before you start more thermostat wars with other members of your household, consider these expert tips on appropriate indoor temperatures for winter.

    What to set your thermostat to in winter

    Turns out there’s a magic number that experts say you should set your thermostat to in the winter.

    This setting? 68 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the Department of Energy.

    If it’s too specific, anywhere about 70 degrees is a good target when it’s cold, Ram Narayanamurthy, deputy director of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Building Technologies, told USA TODAY.

    “A 70-degree house is quite comfortable,” Narayanamurthy said.

    Turn down the heat when you’re away

    But set your thermostat to a specific temperature and never change it will not be good for your heating bills.

    While around 70 degrees is ideal, it’s not a good idea to set your thermostat to just one temperature and never change it. Lower temperatures may be more comfortable when you sleep at night and can help reduce your bill when you’re away from home, Narayanamurthy warned.

    The Department of Energy says that even lower thermostats by 7 to 10 degrees Compared to their normal settings for 8 hours per day, homeowners can save up to 10% per year on heating and cooling costs. And contrary to popular misconception, your heating system does not work harder to warm your home after you turn down the heat for a set amount of time.

    Narayanamurthy said he usually sets his to 64 degrees if he leaves home for an extended period of time, although everyone’s comfort level may be different.

    “You don’t want your heat to be on all the time when there’s no one home,” he said.

    Don’t set your thermostat too low

    The more frugal may be tempted to set their thermostat to bracing levels and survive the winter by bundling up in layers or piling on blankets.

    While you’ll need to set your home to a low enough temperature for it to become a health risk, Narayanamurthy cautions against temperatures below 60 degrees.

    “You have to keep it very low to really have a health problem,” he said. “What you want to do is keep it at a reasonable temperature that’s not cold.”

    The World Health Organization recommended maintain indoor temperature between 64 and 75 degrees for healthy people. But for those who are very young, elderly or have health problems, the minimum temperature should not fall below 68 degrees, the organization says.

    Heating and cooling: Check out USA TODAY Homefront for more HVAC tips for your home

    Heaters can help, but use with caution

    Many homeowners may be tempted to rely on fireplaces, heaters, electric blankets and wood stoves to keep warm in the winter.

    According to Direct ÉnergieThese types of secondary heating sources can help reduce costs since they can heat a more targeted area of ​​your home at a fraction of the cost of raising the thermostat.

    But many of these options come with their own safety risks and also require routine maintenance, care, and even replacement.

    Once a fire hazard, modern electric heaters are much safer than before thanks to built-in safety features that turn the heaters off if they tip over, overheat or are left on for too long.

    How to save on heating bills

    Experts offer a variety of other tips that together could lower your bills and ensure your furnace operates at maximum efficiency.

    • Have your heater inspected every year: A heating system it works effectively saves money. This means the high cost of paying a professional to come to your home and inspect your device (between $150 and $500, according to Consumer Reports estimates) can be profitable in the long run.
    • Consider investing in a “smart” thermostat: Since many can connect to smartphones through mobile apps, smart thermostats offer homeowners the ability to program their thermostats while away from home or even set a schedule. For this reason, the average Energy Star certified smart thermostat can save about 8% on a homeowner’s annual heating and cooling bills. according to Consumer Reports.
    • Check tax incentives and rebates: Rebates and tax credits available through the Department of Energy, can help finance energy-efficient products and replace heating systems that are 15 years old or older. Financing is also available for all sorts of other improvements, from doors to windows to insulation. More information is available at energy saver.gov.

    Editor’s note: A version of this story was last published in November 2023.

    Eric Lagatta covers the latest news and trends for USA TODAY. Contact him at [email protected]

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