5+ years writing insurance and personal finance topics
Auto, home, health, and life insurance expertise
Elizabeth has extensive insurance industry experience, having written for Insureon, Rate Retriever, and Insurify. She’s also finance and insurance editor for Car and Driver.
5+ years in insurance and personal finance content
Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.
Updated September 12, 2024 | Reading time: 4 minutes
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You might feel tempted to crank the heat during the winter, but the U.S. Department of Energy recommends keeping your home’s temperature around 68 degrees Fahrenheit.[1] Keeping your thermostat at the optimal temperature ensures you can stay safe and warm without increasing your heating bill too much.
Here’s what you should know about properly heating your home during the winter, as well as some tips for reducing your energy bill in the colder months.
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What temperature should you keep your thermostat set to during the winter?
The recommended indoor temperature for your home during the day in the winter is around 68 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature should be warm enough to keep your home comfortable during cold weather while keeping your heating costs low.
Your home loses heat more slowly during the winter when the interior temperature is low. If you set the thermostat too high, your home will lose heat more quickly. When you keep the thermostat set at a lower temperature, your house better retains heat, which saves energy and reduces your heating bill.
Setting your thermostat too high can also put stress on your heating and cooling systems. When you set the thermostat at a high temperature, your furnace has to work harder to heat the cold air it pulls from outside, which can cause the system to overheat and even break down.[2]
What temperature to set your thermostat at night in winter
Winter nights can get chilly, but setting your thermostat to the ideal temperature can help you avoid high heating bills. Turning your thermostat down by 7–10 degrees Fahrenheit for about eight hours a day from its regular setting can help you save up to 10% per year on your heating and cooling bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
So, if you keep your home around the recommended 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, consider turning the thermostat down to 60 degrees before you go to sleep. The closer the indoor temperature is to the outside temperature, the more you’ll save on your energy bill.
If you’re planning to be away from home for an extended period of time in the winter, you should adjust the thermostat before you head out. Keeping the temperature at about 55 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re away will prevent issues like frozen and burst pipes.[3]
Ways to save money on energy costs in the winter
The cost of your heating bill depends on a variety of factors, like the size of your home and the age of your heating system. But even in the coldest climates, you can improve energy efficiency and reduce heating costs during the winter.
Here are some ways to save money on your heating bill.
Get a programmable thermostat
Consider buying a programmable thermostat, which allows you to set a schedule for heating or cooling your home. For example, you can set one temperature for the daytime hours and another for the night. You can also change the temperature temporarily without affecting the preset schedule.
Install window coverings
Your home can lose heat through windows that aren’t properly sealed. In fact, it’s estimated that 30% of a home’s heating energy escapes through windows. To reduce heat loss and cold drafts, you can install special window coverings that trap heat and improve energy savings. Some of the most effective shades for heat retention are insulated cellular shades, window quilts, and thick drapes.[4]
Check your home’s insulation
If your home doesn’t have proper insulation, it won’t be as energy efficient. Air leaking through your home’s exterior walls, door, windows, and other openings wastes energy and leads to higher heating bills in the winter. Sealing cracks around windows or door jambs and adding insulation in your attic and floors over crawl spaces and basements can help homeowners save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs, according to Energy Star.[5]
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Run your ceiling fans
Turning on your fans in the winter can improve warm air circulation and increase energy efficiency. Run your ceiling fans at a low speed in a clockwise direction. This produces a light updraft that recirculates warm air from near the ceiling.[6]
Winter thermostat temperature FAQs
If you’re still wondering about the ideal temperature to set your thermostat to during winter, check out the additional information below.
What temperature should you set your thermostat in winter with a baby?
While babies lose heat much more quickly than adults, you don’t need to set your thermostat to a higher temperature than you normally would during the winter if you have an infant at home.[7] Set the thermostat to a temperature that feels comfortable for you and dress your baby in warm, comfortable clothes.
What is the lowest thermostat temperature you should set in the winter?
In general, you shouldn’t keep your thermostat below 55 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter, especially if you’re going to be away from home for an extended period of time. Setting your thermostat too low could cause your pipes to freeze and burst, leading to water damage.
What is the highest thermostat temperature you should set in the winter?
There’s no recommended highest temperature to keep your home in the winter, but the U.S. Department of Energy recommends keeping your thermostat at roughly 68 degrees Fahrenheit. If you prefer the house warmer, it’s OK to turn up the thermostat a few degrees. Keep in mind that the higher the temperature is, the higher your heating bill will be.
What should the humidity be in your house in winter?
Energy Star recommends a relative humidity level between 30% and 40% during the winter. But the ideal humidity level can vary based on a few factors, such as the outdoor temperature, indoor air temperature, and the quality of insulation in your house. See the Center for Energy and Environment’s home energy hub for a full breakdown.
How long does a thermostat last?
Most thermostats have a lifespan of about 10 years, but it can vary depending on the type of thermostat. If your energy bills have recently increased without explanation or the temperature is inconsistent throughout your home, it might be time to replace your thermostat. If you have an analog thermostat, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat.
Elizabeth Rivelli is a freelance writer covering insurance and personal finance. She has extensive knowledge of various insurance lines, including property and casualty, health, and life insurance. Her byline has been featured in dozens of publications, including Investopedia, Forbes, Bankrate, NextAdvisor, and Insurance.com.
5+ years in insurance and personal finance content
Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.
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