What is the Ideal Temperature for Room Heating in the Winter?

By: Matthew Boatner

February 12, 2018 2 min

Heating and Furnace

Money-Saving Tips from the HVAC Team in PA

You and the rest of the family in the house might be at war. It is not over what is for dinner or who picks the show for the family night, but instead over the thermostat. No one can seem to agree on the ideal room temperature for winter. Some like it warmer, others want it cooler, and you just want a cheaper bill.

If you fight over the right temperature for your heater this winter, you have a few things to consider.

How to decide the proper temperature for heating in the winter:

Winter Recommendation by Energy.gov: If you want to know the official ideal temperature, Energy.gov recommends that you set your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit for winter when you are home, then drop it to 57 degrees Fahrenheit if you are not home for the day.
Feel Comfortable: For some households, 68 degrees can feel extremely cold, while better-insulated homes can feel warm and toasty in a 57-degree setting. Therefore, you need to consider your home’s feel, insulation, and what you find comfortable. These recommended settings are a starting point, but you can go up or down a few degrees until everyone in the house is feeling comfortable.
Wear More Layers: If you have the heat cranked up, but you are also walking around in a t-shirt, consider adding more layers and dropping the thermostat to save money. You can always remove layers as you move around more, and your body heats up.
Lower Temperatures at Night: For the most part, you are cuddled under the covers; therefore, you do not need your thermostat as high at night. You could even get away with 65 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some people prefer their indoor temperatures to be up as high as 72 degrees. If everyone has a hefty comforter, then you may be able to lower the heat. If, however, you have small children notorious for kicking off blankets, you might not want the interior temperature so low.

Another great way to save on your heating costs in the winter is to ensure your furnace is maintained. The team at Comfort Solutions HVAC can help you manage your home’s furnace so that you do not deal with excess repairs or your heater does not overwork and cost you more regardless of lower temperatures inside.

Call us at 610-477-2210 or request an estimate online for your maintenance appointment this winter.

Matthew Boatner

Field Supervisor

Matthew Boatner is the field supervisor with Comfort Solutions HVAC and has over 10 years of industry experience.

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