It's winter! And that means low temperatures and big heating costs. If you're looking to reduce your energy bills this season without compromising comfort, this guide is for you. We’ll review how to make sure your Los Angeles 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 review 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 review how getting a smart thermostat can reduce heating bills, as well as a few of our favorite energy-saving tips for chilly weather.

Our Suggestions for Winter Thermostat Settings

You might be thinking if 70 is a good temperature for the winter. It can be, but it also depends 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 daytime. If you’re feeling too cold, 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 hot air that accumulates near the ceiling.
  • Select energy-efficient window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters. If your home has old or drafty windows, putting up plastic sheeting or window blankets provides an additional barrier against the cold.
  • Maximize natural warmth by opening south-facing window treatments during the day. Don’t forget to close them at night to minimize heat loss.

While Gone

If it dips under 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 get back.

You may want to set the thermostat slightly higher if you have a dog, particularly 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 sleep better. The National Sleep Foundation advises a thermostat setting of 64-65 degrees.

That might seem too chilly if you’re accustomed to a warmer temperature. If you’re used to sleeping at 68 degrees, try slowly lowering it over the next few days and sleep with more blankets or thicker pajamas.

A Few Other Ways You Can Reduce 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 steps you can take to cut your bill.

  • Upgrade your thermostat. Programmable thermostats are cheap, but most households don’t have them set up properly. If yours is always on “hold,” you’re missing out on energy savings. While you can get your schedule set up, it can be a time-consuming process, especially if your schedule varies from day to day. A smart thermostat can get rid of all that work because it can create an energy-efficient heating schedule based on your routine and temperature preferences. Learn how you can get a free smart thermostat (or one at a greatly reduced cost)!
  • Change your furnace air filter regularly. A dirty air filter can create a lot of problems for your furnace, including making it use more energy or even causing it to break down. That’s why it’s important to replace 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 suffers from allergies or asthma, you may want to change your filter more often.
  • Add extra insulation. Your home is likely among the 90% in the U.S. that don’t have enough attic insulation. Homes in northern climates require 16-18", while those in southern climates require 13-14".
  • Get a new furnace. If your HVAC system is close to 15 years old, it’s time to start considering furnace installation. Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR® furnace can keep you more comfortable while keeping heating costs down. A new heating system is a big investment, but AZ Air Conditioning and Heating 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 cold weather or any other home comfort issues, AZ Air Conditioning and Heating is here to assist you. We’re the heating and cooling company your friends and neighbors have depended on since year. Call us at 800-296-5088 to schedule your appointment today.