According to experts, what’s the ideal temperature to set your thermostat in the winter?

As winter approaches and the temperatures drop, one of the perennial questions that homeowners face is, “What’s the ideal temperature to set my thermostat at during the winter months?” While the answer may vary depending on personal preferences and circumstances, there are some general guidelines to help you find the right balance between comfort and energy efficiency.
In this article, we’ll explore factors to consider when setting your thermostat in the winter and offer some practical recommendations.
Comfort vs. Energy Efficiency
The ideal temperature for your thermostat during the winter ultimately depends on your personal comfort and energy-saving goals. It’s a delicate balance between staying warm and keeping your energy bills manageable. Finding the sweet spot is essential to ensure both your comfort and your wallet stay happy.
Recommended Thermostat Settings
Here are some recommended thermostat settings for various situations:
When You’re at Home
The U.S. Department of Energy suggests setting your thermostat to 68°F (20°C) while you’re at home during the daytime. This temperature is considered a good compromise between comfort and energy efficiency. You can adjust it slightly higher or lower to suit your personal preferences.
When You’re Asleep or Away
Lower your thermostat by 10-15 degrees when you’re asleep or away from home. A setting of around 55-60°F (13-15°C) is often recommended during these times to save on heating costs. Programmable thermostats can help automate these adjustments to ensure you don’t forget to make them manually.
Zoning and Programmable Thermostats
Investing in a programmable thermostat can make it easier to maintain ideal temperature settings throughout the day. These thermostats allow you to schedule temperature adjustments based on your daily routine. For example, you can program the thermostat to lower the temperature when you’re at work and raise it shortly before you return home, maximizing energy efficiency without compromising comfort.