What temperature should my house be in winter at night?

Author: Dr. Torey Lehner Jr.  |  Last update: Sunday, October 5, 2025

The ideal home temperature for sleeping is generally between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit -- and you might even sleep better because of it.

What temperature to keep a house at night in winter?

Not so fast. The U.S. Department of Energy says an indoor temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit at night is best. Setting your thermostat to a lower temperature at night may actually help you sleep better. Medical experts know that our body temperature drops at night.

What temperature should I leave my heating on overnight in winter?

Ideally you should heat your home to a temperature of at least 18 °C. This is particularly important if you have reduced mobility, are 65 or over, or have a health condition, such as heart or lung disease. Having room temperatures slightly over 18 °C could be good for your health.

Is 72 a good temperature for heat in the winter?

While there are occupants in the house, it is advised for homeowners to set their thermostats between 68 and 72 degrees to promote maximum comfort. A pleasant temperature for everyone in the house, regardless of the apparel they are wearing, is between 68 and 72 degrees, which is neither too warm nor too cool.

Is 74 too hot for a house in winter?

Quick answer: The ideal house temperature is room temperature, which ranges from 68 to 78 degrees F, though this may vary from season to season. In winter, the average room temperature is generally 62 to 68 degrees, whereas in the summer, the average temperature is 72 to 78 degrees.

Where should you set your thermostat when the temperatures are cold?

Is 72 degrees too hot to sleep in?

Sleep experts believe the best temperature for great sleep is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. But in addition to making you uncomfortable and interfering with healthy sleep patterns, being too hot at any time of day or night can cause health risks like dehydration and heat stroke.

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 it cheaper to have heating on low constantly?

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.

What temperature should I set my thermostat to prevent pipes from freezing?

Keep the thermostat at a minimum of 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure pipes are properly insulated. Keep water slowly flowing on outer wall faucets. Cover outside faucets.

How cold is unhealthy for a house?

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.

How low should I set my heat at night?

When it comes to the best temperature for your furnace in the winter at night, it is time to turn that thermostat down. 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.

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.

What is the best temperature for your house overnight?

Your body heat peaks late afternoon and then starts to drop in the evening to prepare your body for sleep, kickstarting melatonin production. An ideal bedroom temperature is around 16-18°C (60-65°F).

Is 65 too cold for a house in winter?

The World Health Organization recommends keeping indoor temperatures between 64 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for healthy people. The minimum temperature should be kept above 68 degrees Fahrenheit to protect the very young, the elderly, or people with health problems. Watch out for signs of hypothermia.

What is the lowest you can set your thermostat in the winter?

What Temperature Should I Keep My House So the Pipes Don't Freeze? As explained, 55 degrees is usually considered the lowest thermostat setting to avoid frozen pipes.

What temperature should you leave your heating on overnight?

Your thermostat should be set to around 18-21°C, which is the lowest comfortable temperature that is economical too. Not only will this lower your heating bills, it will help to lower your carbon footprint and reduce your households' environmental impact.

Is it better to keep bedroom doors open or closed in winter?

Yes, open doors are generally better in winter to maintain a consistent temperature. They allow your heating system to distribute warm air evenly across rooms, improving comfort and efficiency while preventing energy waste.

Why should you not leave heating on low all day?

It's clear that if you leave your heating on 24/7, you will typically end up using more fuel. This is because some heat loss will always occur due to the difference between the temperature outside your house and the temperature you are trying to maintain on the inside.

What temperature should I keep my house to save money 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.

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.

What temperature should I keep my house when it's below freezing?

Keep your house heated to a minimum of 65 degrees.

A temperature lower than 65 degrees might not keep the inside walls from freezing.

Which sleeping position is best?

Side sleeping helps prevent the airway from collapsing and can reduce snoring. "And so, all in all, sleeping on the side — perhaps with their head slightly elevated as long as that's comfortable — is a good way to sleep," says Dr. Krahn. Side sleeping also is recommended during pregnancy, especially the last trimester.

What temperature is unsafe to sleep in?

Tips for Keeping Cool During Sleep

A cool or lukewarm bath or shower can help with that, suggests Raymann. For most people, the temperature in the bedroom at night should not exceed 72 degrees Fahrenheit, and it should be even lower for people that sleep best in a cool bedroom.

What temperature to set thermostat at night?

To support the best sleep possible, you should aim to set your thermostat around 65 degrees. Now, don't worry if you set it a couple of degrees above – everyone is different, after all. The goal here is to have a cool (not cold) room.

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