Your thermostat mode depends on the weather, but the fan should almost always be set to AUTO.
Although comfort is personal and can vary, a generally comfortable temperature for a house is often set between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. This range is considered ideal for most people to feel comfortable indoors.
What temperature should you keep your house at? Or better yet, “What is the most energy saving temperature to set my thermostat at?” According to ENERGYSTAR.gov, the ideal home temperature should be between 70 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
Keep the thermostat at 68°F during the day. This is the best temperature to stay comfortable without overworking your heating system. Set your thermostat between 60 and 62°F when you're away. This helps save energy while keeping pipes from freezing.
No, 68°F is not generally considered cold for a house in winter. In fact, experts at the U.S. Department of Energy recommend 68°F as the ideal, energy-efficient temperature for the winter months while you are awake.
It takes time for your home to warm up and cool down. If you're not sure how long it takes, try turning the heating on about 30 minutes before you need it. You should turn it off 30 minutes before you'll stop needing it.
The cheapest temperature to keep your house in winter is 68°F (20∘C20 raised to the composed with power C𝟐𝟎∘𝐂) while you are home, and lowering it to 61°F–65°F when you are away or sleeping, according to the Department of Energy. Setting your thermostat back 7°–10°F for 8 hours can save up to 10% a year on heating costs.
No, it is generally not cheaper to leave your heating on all day. The most cost-effective method is to only heat your home when you need it.
Whether 75 degrees is a "good" temperature depends on your personal comfort, as it is on the warmer side for winter. While it will keep you cozy, it will also lead to higher energy bills and can put extra strain on your heating system.
65 Degrees is (Nearly) the Perfect Temp
For most people, 60 is a chilly sweater-friendly temperature, while going over 70 can get a little toasty. The most efficient setting for your thermostat is around 65 degrees in the winter when temperatures outside have dropped to 50 or below.
While it may be tempting to save a few bucks on your heating bill at times, a cold snap is not the time to set back the thermostat if you have pipes that are at risk of freezing. Leave the heat on if you plan to be away during cold weather. Set the thermostat to a temperature no lower than 55° F.
To lower your energy bills, adjust your thermostat 7∘7 raised to the composed with power7∘ to 10∘F10 raised to the composed with power F10∘F from your normal comfort setting for 8 hours a day, such as while you are sleeping or at work. This strategy can save you up to 10% on your annual heating and cooling costs.
A house set to 70°F can feel cold due to drafty windows, low indoor humidity, or cold wall surfaces that draw heat from your body. Because human comfort depends on factors beyond air temperature, the following hidden culprits are likely at play:
While 72 degrees is a popular choice among homeowners, it's actually lower than what's recommended for energy efficiency. The Department of Energy suggests setting your thermostat to 78 degrees during the summer months.
Setting to 65 degrees in Winter and to 78 degrees in Summer while at home and switching to energy saving mode when away can help save energy.
Feeling cold at 75°F is usually caused by environmental factors like dry air or drafts, or biological factors like a slower metabolism, dehydration, or low body weight. If it’s a new issue or you have other symptoms, it could indicate underlying health conditions such as an underactive thyroid or anemia.
While everyone has a different tolerance to cold, ideal winter heat settings should generally be at or above 63 °F (17 °C). Excessive cold (anything below 62 °F or 16 °C) in your home can actually raise your blood pressure as your blood “thickens” in the chilly temperatures.
Ideal room temperature for the elderly
The NHS recommends heating your home to at least 18° if you are aged over 65, not very mobile or have a health condition. They also recommend on very cold nights, adding extra layers and keeping your windows and curtains closed for an added layer of insulation.
Heating and cooling (HVAC) systems are the biggest energy consumers in a typical house, accounting for roughly 45−50% of your total electricity usage. Water heaters, refrigerators, and lighting round out the rest of the major draws.
Known for his practical tips, Lewis introduced the '4pm rule' which involves using curtains strategically to retain heat. He suggests opening curtains when the sun rises at around 8:30am to let in natural warmth, and closing them by 4pm to keep the heat inside.
Typically, a furnace should cycle 3 to 8 times per hour, running for about 10 to 15 minutes each time. If it's cycling more frequently (short cycling) or running for 20+ minutes straight regularly, something's not right.
Keep your thermostat set to a minimum of 55°F (13°C) to keep your pipes from freezing. If you are leaving the house for an extended period, maintain this temperature to ensure heat reaches the walls where pipes are located.
It's better to leave interior doors open when heating your home. Open doors allow warm air to circulate evenly, preventing hot and cold spots and reducing the strain on your HVAC system. Closed doors can block airflow, making your system work harder and increasing energy costs.
Here's a simple guide for September and October: Daytime: Set your thermostat between 68°F and 70°F for a cozy, energy-efficient home during the day. Nighttime: Lower the temperature to 60°F or 65°F while you sleep to save on heating costs without sacrificing comfort.