Ask Furr: What Should My Thermostat Be Set To During The Winter?

What should my thermostat be set to during the winter? I want to be comfortable, but I also want to save money. Question submitted by Ashley P., Herndon, VA

This is an excellent question that most homeowners should be asking when attempting to be more frugal during the winter months. Where you set our thermostat can determine comfort, efficiency, and savings all year round, but especially on those very cold days when you just want to crank it up to 75!

According to Energy Star, a homeowner could save as much as 10% yearly in heating and cooling costs by turning their thermostat back 7-10 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours daily. While this may be economical for everyone, it might not be comfortable for some. Energy.gov suggests setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter as a perfect setting. It’s warm enough so that you don’t feel as though you’re living in an igloo to save money but low enough to where you are able to maintain a reasonable utility bill. This temperature should remain during the time that you are home and awake. At night, or when you’re away from the house, consider lowering your thermostat. 

Wondering about your pets? If you’ve got furry family members in your home and you don’t want to lower your temperatures to extremes while you’re away, energy.gov suggests that 64 degrees Fahrenheit is safe for your pets since they have more natural coping mechanisms for slightly colder weather (they’re wearing a fur coat after all!) If you’ve got pets of a more amphibious nature, be sure not to drop temperatures too low, as fish and other tropical amphibians don’t do well in the cold. 

Programmable Thermostats Can Help!

One of the best ways to maintain your heating schedule is by installing a programmable thermostat. These systems allow you to determine exactly what works with your home and family, set it, and forget it! Most systems allow you to make changes on your mobile device, so it’s convenient to adjust the temperature from afar if needed! 

Want to learn more about heating your home comfortably and efficiently? Give us a call and talk with one of our professionals about options for your home comfort!