How low should heat be turned down at night?

Author: Zaria Schamberger V  |  Last update: Wednesday, April 29, 2026

HVAC replacement companies recommend turning the temperature down by at least eight degrees before you go to sleep for eight hours or more, depending on how long you sleep at night.

How much to turn down heat at night?

Specifically, the department recommends that people set their thermostats back 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit from their usual settings for eight hours a day.

What is the best temperature to leave heating on at night?

Your thermostat should be set to around 18-21°C, which is the lowest comfortable temperature that is economical too.

What is the best temperature to keep your house at night?

The ideal home temperature for sleeping is generally between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit -- and you might even sleep better because of it. When you sleep, the set point for your body temperature drops, WebMD says.

Is 65 too cold for a house in winter?

in most climates, 65 Fahrenheit is not too cold for the home in winter in fact it might even be a little too hot.

Energy Myths - Should you turn the thermostat down at night?

Is 60 too cold for a house at night?

So, if you and everyone else in the household are comfortable with going lower than 64 degrees while sleeping, then go for it! As far as the normal hours of the day when everyone is awake and active in the home, we do recommend the WHO's guideline of 64 degrees (F) as a minimum.

What temperature to set heater at night in winter?

60-67 degrees is the ideal temperature for winter nighttime for a comfortable night's sleep. If your house is too warm at night, it will affect your sleep and may result in causing fatigue. Since you'll be snuggled in blankets and covers, it makes it possible to make the house just a little chilly at night.

Should I turn my heat down at night?

A better idea: Turn the heat down, not off

Here's the secret: Set the temperature of your home at least eight degrees lower for the eight hours or so that you sleep at night. Every degree you lower the thermostat can net you an estimated 1% off your heating bill.

Why does my house feel cold at 73?

If you're cold even though your thermostat indicates you shouldn't be, your furnace likely isn't the problem. In most cases, it's working just fine. It's your home that needs attention. Lack of insulation, severe air leakage, and/or unbalanced ductwork are frequently to blame.

How low should I set my thermostat at night?

Alternate forms of heat can help you lower that temperature for an additional cost and energy savings. Nighttime: “Lower the thermostat setting by a few degrees during the night, ideally around 62°F-65°F,” suggests Roberson.

What is an unhealthy room temperature?

The World Health Organization recommends a thermostat setting no lower than 68 degrees while you're home. If you have children or seniors in your house, that number increases to at least 70 degrees. If your house is too cold, it can cause problems with blood pressure and circulation, as well as affect your heart rate.

Is it better to leave heating on low overnight?

According to the experts at the Energy Saving Trust, the idea that you can save money by keeping your central heating permanently on low is a myth. This is mainly because of problems with home insulation. If your house is old or draughty, for example, heat will be leaking out through windows and doors.

How many degrees to turn down heat at night?

General recommendations for winter thermostat settings: If someone is at home in the daytime, 72° F (22° C) is a good start, but aim for 68° F (20° C). If everyone is away from home in the daytime or you're asleep at night, we feel 66° F (19° C) to 62° F (17° C) is best.

What should heating be set at overnight?

Aim for a steady 18°C to 20°C in most rooms, and consider using Smart thermostats or electric radiators for better control. Whether you're managing heating for babies, elderly individuals, or general household comfort, small adjustments can make a big difference in energy savings.

What is the cheapest temperature to keep your house in winter?

To save money, aim to have your temperature set around 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit when you're at home and awake. This is a comfortable temperature for most with the help of a light sweater. Overnight and when you're out, around 64 degrees Fahrenheit will keep your home at a good temperature.

Is 74 too hot for sleep?

“The consensus among most scientists is that anything higher than 75 or 80 is bad for sleep and potentially detrimental to health,” Baniassadi said. Heat affects sleep because the body signals the brain that it's time to fall asleep by lowering its core temperature. Sleeping in a hot room makes this difficult.

Why does my house feel cold at 68 degrees?

There may be drafts and pockets of colder air near the floor; The walls are colder and don't emit the usual amount of infrared radiation, so you lose heat due to your body emitting more IR than it receives; You may spend more time indoors and hence have less physical activity, so your body generates less heat.

Why will my house not cool below 74?

Your AC might not cool properly due to thermostat issues, an undersized unit, or extremely high outdoor temps—so check those first. Keep an eye on airflow—replace clogged filters every 3 months, and make sure vents and ducts aren't blocked for efficient cooling.

How much should you lower heat at night?

Turn Down the Heat 7-10 Degrees Instead

Setting the thermometer eight degrees lower before you turn in at night may save you as much as $180 per year on your utility bill.

What should heat be set at in winter at night?

As a general rule, the recommended heater temperature at night is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. A thermostat setting of around 65 degrees is actually better for your health.

Is it cheaper to leave your thermostat at one temperature?

Keeping your home at a constant temperature generally means that your HVAC system will run constantly to meet it. This means that your furnace or air conditioner may run when you're asleep, at work, or out of the house. This wastes more energy than the minimal amount that you might save by having it constantly run.

How cold should I let my house get at night?

The best winter thermostat setting is 62 to 68 degrees. On winter days, program your home's thermostat to 68 degrees for a comfortable indoor temperature while you're home and awake. When sleeping, program your thermostat to 62 degrees. Consider rolling this temperature back to 55 degrees when no one is home.

Is 72 too high for a thermostat in winter?

68 to 72 degrees is a temperature range that is not too warm or cool, and is sufficient enough to warm up the home just enough so that everyone is comfortable regardless of the type of clothing they have on.

How low should you keep your heat in the winter?

A range of 68-70 is the best setting in winter if you want to save money because your furnace or heat pump doesn't have to work as hard as it does to reach a higher set temperature. The DOE says the smaller the difference is between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the more you can save.

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