What Is the Best Temperature for Heating in Winter to Save Money?

Find out the best temperature to set your thermostat in winter to save money but stay comfortable.

October 21, 2024

As the days get cooler and the nights get longer, people across the United States are turning on the heat and asking the same question. What temperature should I set the thermostat in winter? While winter weather is not here quite yet, you’re smart to be thinking about an affordable yet comfortable temperature in winter.

To save energy and save on heating costs, the Department of Energy (DOE) says to set the indoor temperature between 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re home, and drop the temperature at night or when you’re away.

Why is 68 degrees the best thermostat setting in winter?

A range of 68-70 is the best setting in winter if you want to save money because your furnace or heat pump doesn’t have to work as hard as it does to reach a higher set temperature. The DOE says the smaller the difference is between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the more you can save.

Encourage family members to wear a sweater, hoodie, or long sleeves in the fall and winter. If you want to save on your heating costs, dress for the weather outside.

Should I lower the temperature at night or while I am at work?

If you want to save money on your energy bills and use less energy, then most certainly, yes. The DOE says that by setting back your thermostat 7-10 degrees from the normal setting when you’re away, you can save up to 10% on your heating and cooling bills. Plus, according to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), cooler room temperatures can help you sleep better at night.

What temperature should I set the thermostat when I’m on vacation in winter?

This is another good question. There’s no reason your home needs to be warm and cozy if no one’s home, right? The lowest you should set the thermostat during a winter vacation is 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This is to ensure that your pipes don’t freeze.

If you have tropical plants or a pet staying in the home while you’re gone, you may want to keep the set temperature for your home a little higher.

Make temperature changes easy with a smart thermostat

If you still have a standard thermostat where you have to change the temperature manually, this can all seem like a lot to remember. Make it easy on yourself by upgrading your thermostat to a programmable thermostat or smart thermostat.

Browse smart thermostats

You can easily program a daytime, evening, and nighttime schedule, with the option of a weekend schedule that is different than the weekday schedule. You can also set a vacation schedule. With a smart thermostat connected to the American Standard Home App, you can make adjustments to the temperature schedule from your smartphone.

Coming home early from work? Warm up the house before you get there. Already on the road and you forgot to set the vacation mode? No worries - simply open the app and make the changes.

Choose the right thermostat for your home.

Stay warmer and more comfortable with a whole-house humidifier

You may know that in winter, the colder air feels drier. That’s because it is drier. As the temperatures drop, the humidity in the air decreases. This happens whether you’re outside or inside.

By boosting the indoor humidity at your house, you can make the room temperature in winter feel warmer without raising the temperature. That’s because higher humidity makes the air feel warmer. Just think about the difference in how hot it feels on a summer day with low humidity vs a summer day with high humidity.

Using a whole-house humidifier in cold weather will make your home feel warmer, reduce dry skin and chapped lips, and decrease the static electricity that can come with winter and the dry heat from your furnace.

Explore humidity control options.

Reduce heat loss to save money on heating bills

You can have an energy-efficient furnace or heat pump and program the ideal winter thermostat settings, but you won’t feel warm and cozy if a lot of heat is escaping from your ductwork or your home. Take steps to reduce heat loss by:

Use caulk and weatherstripping to close gaps around windows and doors.
Get an insulation evaluation and add insulation as recommended.
Have an HVAC professional check for leaky ducts and perform duct sealing as needed.

By reducing heat loss, you’ll save money on your heating bills now, and on your cooling bills next summer.

Stay warmer with furnace and heat pump maintenance

Another way to stay warmer without raising the temperature is to ensure your furnace or heat pump is running at peak performance. You should schedule an HVAC tune-up every fall. An HVAC technician will check that your heating unit is operating safely, and clean any parts or make adjustments as needed.

As a homeowner, you should change your furnace filters regularly - at least every 90 days. If you have pets, or the furnace is running constantly, you will want to check it more often. This is another benefit of a smart thermostat - it will remind you to change the filter. Learn more information about HVAC filters including how to select the right filter.

Work with the HVAC experts

Scheduling annual heat pump or furnace maintenance in the fall can help your system operate at peak performance, keeping you warm and cozy all winter. Duct sealing in an older home can also help increase your energy efficiency. Finally, installing a smart thermostat can give you better control of your system.
Contact your local American Standard dealer to maximize your comfort this winter.

Anne Fonda, Content Writer at Trane Technologies

A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.

She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.