What Is a Good Temperature to Set My Thermostat in the Winter?

Ah, winter; the season of cozy blankets, hot chocolate, and… the thermostat wars. One side wants to crank the heat up like we’re living in the sun, while the other is suggesting we wear more layers and suffer through the cold. So, what’s the real answer?

For most homes, the ideal winter thermostat setting is around 68°F when you’re awake and at home. Yep, 68°F: warm enough to keep you comfortable but not so toasty that your energy bill skyrockets. It’s like the perfect middle ground between “I’m freezing” and “my furnace is running 24/7.”

Now, if you’re leaving the house or hitting the hay for the night, here’s where you can save some serious cash: drop it down to around 62-64°F. Trust me, your house won’t turn into an igloo while you’re gone, and if you’re bundled up in bed, you probably won’t even notice it’s cooler. Plus, your furnace gets a little break and your energy bill doesn’t look like a bad Christmas surprise.

Pro tip: If you have a programmable thermostat, set it to warm up the house a little before you wake up or get home, so you’re not walking into an icebox. That way, you get the best of both worlds: saving energy and staying warm when you need it most.

So, to recap:

• When you’re home and awake: 68°F
• When you’re out or asleep: 62-64°F

You stay cozy, your furnace doesn’t work overtime, and your energy bill stays friendly. It’s a win-win, and you won’t have to wear a parka indoors!