One of the most common questions homeowners and renters have about their thermostat is what temperature to set it at during the winter months. With electric bills on the rise and those paying the bill looking for ways to save money, setting your thermostat properly can save time, money and frustration on heating costs. As the winter months are around, let’s look at what you should set your thermostat to in winter to stay warm and save money.
So, What Temperature Should I Set My Thermostat in Winter?
While summer cooling bills can be expensive, winter ones can be, too, depending on where you live in the country. Ideally, you want to set your thermostat between 60 to 65 degrees in the winter. Most like the temperature in winter at around 68. This has nothing to do with how comfortable or warm you are but what a home or apartment building requires to keep the pipes from freezing.
Most Americans, on average, set their thermostats to 68 or higher during the winter months to keep warm – this drives up energy costs. Instead of putting on a sweatshirt, wearing warmer pants, or using a second blanket, Many Americans will crank up the thermostat to keep warm. That choice comes at a cost.
Then, when they receive their electric bill for the month, they might be shocked at the cost of staying comfortable by turning up the thermostat in winter. Ideally, you should set your thermostat to the lowest possible temperature you are comfortable with.
What is the Best Temperature to Set a Thermostat in Winter?
To save on heating costs during the winter months, setting the thermostat lower can help. Turning the thermostat to between 50 and 55 degrees during the daytime can have a significant effect on your heating bill. It can reduce your bill by up to 15 percent in some parts of the country, especially those areas that warm up significantly when the sun is out.
Other factors may impact whether or not you can do this safely, such as how much direct sunlight hits your home, whether you’re surrounded by other apartments using their heat, or the average daily temperature in your area.
While heating costs can be more than you’re expecting during winter, imagine if you didn’t have heat at all. By learning to adjust your thermostat and setting it at a comfortable temperature rather than turning up the heat to roast through the cold, you’ll save money and learn you are able to handle cold better than you used to during winter.
Read More: What Temperature Should You Leave Your Home During Vacation?
