Winter heating costs can consume 40-50% of your total energy bill, with the average household now spending $141 per month on heating, up 41% since 2020. But there's good news: adjusting your thermostat by just 7-10 degrees for 8 hours daily can cut heating costs by 10% annually. This guide reveals the optimal thermostat settings for winter, backed by Department of Energy recommendations and real-world homeowner experiences.

Quick Answer: The best thermostat setting for winter is 68°F when you're home and awake, 60-65°F while sleeping, and 55-60°F when away. This schedule can save you up to $200 annually on heating bills.

What Temperature Should You Set Your Thermostat in Winter?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the ideal thermostat temperature in winter follows this proven schedule:

The Optimal 24-Hour Winter Thermostat Schedule

This schedule represents the best thermostat setting for winter according to Energy.gov and heating efficiency experts. It balances comfort with significant energy savings while protecting your home's plumbing system.

Why 68°F Is the Magic Number

68°F when home and awake is recommended because:

• Provides comfortable warmth for most people wearing normal indoor clothing
• Reduces heating system strain compared to higher settings
• Represents the threshold where energy savings become substantial
• Each degree above 68°F increases heating costs by 1-3%

Real homeowners confirm this works: most energy-conscious households keep thermostats between 64-68°F during the day, with 68°F being the most common "comfortable but efficient" setting.

Is 70 a Good Temperature for Heat in Winter?

Short answer: 70°F is comfortable but not optimal for energy savings.

Many homeowners wonder if setting their heat to 70°F in winter is reasonable. Here's what you need to know:

The Cost of 70°F vs 68°F

Real-world example: If your annual heating bill is $850, setting your thermostat to 70°F instead of 68°F could cost an additional $25-50 per year. Jump to 72°F and you're looking at $50-100 in unnecessary expenses.

When 70°F Makes Sense

70°F may be appropriate if:

• You have infants, elderly family members, or health conditions requiring warmth
• Your home has poor insulation and 68°F feels uncomfortably cold
• You work from home and need consistent comfort for productivity
• You have pets sensitive to cold temperatures

What Temperature Do Most People Use?

According to user surveys and energy data:

• Average American setting: 68-72°F during the day
• Energy-conscious households: 64-68°F
• Frugal homeowners: 60-66°F with extra layers
• Cold-tolerant individuals: 55-62°F with heavy clothing

The most common compromise? 68°F during the day, 65°F at night, a setting that keeps most people comfortable while providing meaningful savings.

Best Temperature for Heater in Winter at Night

Recommended nighttime setting: 60-65°F (15-18°C)

Lowering your thermostat while sleeping is one of the most effective energy-saving strategies available. Here's why it works:

The Science of Sleeping Cool

• Your body temperature naturally drops 1-2°F during sleep
• Cooler rooms (60-67°F) improve sleep quality according to sleep researchers
• You're under blankets, which provide 5-10°F equivalent warmth
• Most people sleep comfortably with heavier bedding at 60-65°F

How Much Can You Save at Night?

Example calculation:

• 8 hours of sleep = 33% of your day
• Lowering temp from 68°F to 62°F (6-degree reduction)
• Potential savings: 6-8% of heating costs during sleep hours
• Annual impact: $40-70 saved for average homes

What's Too Cold at Night?

Don't go below 55°F unless your home is unoccupied. Going below this threshold can cause:

• Increased risk of frozen pipes (especially in exterior walls)
• Discomfort that disrupts sleep
• Difficulty for heating system to recover in morning
• Potential issues for pets or houseplants

Real Homeowner Night Settings

Based on actual user responses:

• Most common: 62-65°F
• Budget-focused: 58-60°F (with extra blankets)
• Comfort-prioritized: 65-68°F
• Compromise for couples: 64°F (one person wants warmer, one wants cooler)

What Temperature to Set Thermostat in Winter When Away

Short absences (work, errands): 55-60°F
Extended absences (vacation): 50-55°F

Away-from-Home Strategy

When your home is unoccupied, you can safely reduce heating while protecting your property:

For Daily Work Schedule (8-10 hours):

• Set to 58-60°F before leaving
• Save 5-8% on heating costs during away hours
• Use programmable thermostat to warm up 30 minutes before you return home
• Annual savings: $50-80 for typical households

For Weekend Trips (2-3 days):

• Set to 55-58°F
• Protects pipes while minimizing energy waste
• Smart thermostats can be adjusted remotely if needed

For Winter Vacations (1+ weeks):

• Set to 50-55°F minimum
• Never below 50°F due to pipe freeze risk
• Consider asking a neighbor to check your home
• Shut off water to washing machine and dishwasher
• Can save $30-60 per week on heating costs

The Pipe Freeze Threshold

Critical rule: Never let indoor temperatures drop below 50°F when your home is vacant, especially if you have:

• Pipes in exterior walls
• Unheated basements or crawl spaces
• Older homes with minimal insulation
• Previous pipe issues

Pipe repair costs average $500-2,000, far exceeding any energy savings from setting thermostats too low.

How Much Can You Really Save?

The Department of Energy states that lowering your thermostat by 7-10°F for 8 hours daily can reduce heating costs by up to 10% annually. Let's break down real savings:

Annual Savings Calculator

Based on average US heating costs of $850-1,400 annually

The 1-Degree Rule

Every 1°F reduction = approximately 1% savings on heating costs when maintained consistently.

Real-world example:

• Current bill: $140/month for December-February (3 months)
• Total winter heating: $420
• Lower thermostat by 3°F consistently
• Savings: $12-15 per winter month = $36-45 total

Maximum Savings Scenario

Implementing the full recommended schedule:

• 68°F when home (vs 72°F)
• 62°F at night (vs 68°F)
• 58°F when away (vs 72°F)

Total potential savings: 15-20% = $130-280 annually for average homes

Still seeing high energy bills even with ideal thermostat settings? Older or inefficient systems can’t deliver these savings. Team Enoch offers professional AC installation and system replacements, helping homeowners upgrade to high-efficiency equipment designed for both heating and cooling savings.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Winter by Home Type

The ideal thermostat setting varies based on your specific home characteristics:

Single-Family Detached Homes

Recommended: 68°F day / 60-62°F night

Challenges:

• Greater exposure to outdoor cold
• More exterior walls losing heat
• Larger heating demands

Solutions:

• Focus heavily on insulation improvements
• Seal air leaks around windows and doors
• Consider zoning systems for multi-level efficiency
• May need slightly higher settings (69-70°F) if insulation is poor

Apartments & Condos

Recommended: 66-68°F day / 60-65°F night

Advantages:

• Shared walls retain heat from neighboring units
• Smaller square footage heats more efficiently
• Often naturally 3-5°F warmer than detached homes

Tips:

• Can comfortably maintain lower settings
• Units on ground floor or top floor lose more heat
• Corner units need higher settings than middle units

Two-Story Homes

See dedicated section below for detailed guidance

Older Homes (Pre-1980)

Recommended: 68-70°F day / 62-65°F night

Considerations:

• Often have minimal insulation (R-11 or less)
• Single-pane windows are common
• May have drafty construction
• Air sealing provides biggest improvement

Priority improvements:

1. Attic insulation (upgrade to R-49)
2. Weather-stripping doors and windows
3. Seal basement/crawl space air leaks
4. Consider storm windows

New Construction (Post-2000)

Recommended: 66-68°F day / 58-62°F night

Advantages:

• Modern insulation (R-30+ in attics)
• Energy-efficient windows (double or triple pane)
• Better air sealing
• Can maintain comfort at lower settings

Mobile Homes & Manufactured Housing

Recommended: 68-70°F day / 62-65°F night

Challenges:

• Thinner walls and minimal insulation
• Underfloor exposure to outdoor temperatures
• Ductwork often in unconditioned spaces

Critical upgrades:

• Skirting around foundation to block wind
• Belly wrap insulation
• Window treatments and weatherization
• Roof coating to reduce heat loss

How to Set Thermostat for 2-Story House in Winter

Two-story homes present unique heating challenges due to heat rising naturally. Upstairs can be 5-10°F warmer than downstairs, creating comfort conflicts and energy waste.

The Heat Rise Problem

Physics fact: Warm air rises, so second floors are always warmer than first floors. This creates:

• Upstairs bedrooms that feel stuffy (often 72-75°F)
• Downstairs living areas that feel cold (often 65-68°F)
• A thermostat that doesn't represent either floor accurately
• Wasteful heating trying to warm the already-warm upstairs

Where to Place Your Thermostat

Optimal location: First floor, on an interior wall, away from:

• Direct sunlight
• Drafts from doors/windows
• Heat sources (kitchen, fireplace)
• Air vents

Why first floor? The thermostat should measure the coldest area where you spend most waking hours. If upstairs is warmer, it will naturally follow.

Single-Thermostat Strategy for Two-Story Homes

If you have one thermostat controlling both floors:

During the Day:

• Set to 68-69°F (measuring downstairs temperature)
• Upstairs will be 72-75°F naturally
• Close upstairs bedroom vents partially (50%) to reduce airflow
• Keep bedroom doors open to prevent heat buildup

At Night:

• Lower to 62-65°F for sleeping
• Upstairs bedrooms will be 66-69°F, perfect for sleep
• Close downstairs vents partially (30-50%)
• This forces more heat upstairs where bedrooms are located

Zoning Solutions for Two-Story Homes

Best solution: Install a zoned HVAC system with separate thermostats for each floor.

Cost: $2,000-3,500 for professional installation
Payback period: 4-7 years through energy savings
Comfort benefit: Immediate and significant

How zoning works:

• Separate thermostat for first floor (set to 68°F)
• Separate thermostat for second floor (set to 65-66°F)
• Automated dampers in ductwork direct air where needed
• Each floor reaches optimal temperature independently

Alternative: Ductless Mini-Split for Problem Areas

For specific hot/cold rooms:

• Cost: $1,500-3,000 per unit
• Provides independent temperature control
• More affordable than whole-home zoning
• Ideal for master bedroom or home office

Practical Tips for Two-Story Homes

1. Use ceiling fans properly:
2. • Winter setting: Blades rotating clockwise (pulls warm air down)
   • Run on low speed continuously in upstairs rooms
   • Can make room feel 2-3°F warmer without adjusting thermostat
2. Strategic vent adjustment:
3. • Close 40-50% of upstairs vents during day
   • Close 30-40% of downstairs vents at night
   • Never fully close vents (causes pressure problems)
3. Insulation focus:
4. • Add extra attic insulation (R-49 or higher)
   • Reduces heat loss through roof, especially benefiting upstairs
   • Typical cost: $1,500-2,500; saves $150-300 annually
4. Window treatments:
5. • Heavy curtains on upstairs south-facing windows
   • Open during sunny winter days for passive solar heating
   • Close at night to prevent heat loss

Recommended settings for two-story homes:

• Daytime: 69°F thermostat setting (first floor measures this, upstairs will be 73-75°F)
• Nighttime: 62-64°F thermostat setting (first floor cools to this, upstairs bedrooms will be 66-68°F, ideal for sleep)
• Away: 58-60°F

What Is the Normal Thermostat Setting for Winter?

Understanding what's "normal" helps you compare your habits to average households:

National Averages (Based on Energy Usage Data)

Daytime settings:

• Most common: 68-72°F
• Average: 70°F
• Energy-conscious households: 64-68°F
• Cold-tolerant households: 60-66°F

Nighttime settings:

• Most common: 62-66°F
• Average: 65°F
• Energy-conscious: 58-62°F

Regional Variations

Winter thermostat settings vary significantly by climate:

What Do Real Homeowners Actually Set Their Thermostats To?

Budget-conscious homeowners:

• Day: 62-66°F ("wear a hoodie")
• Night: 55-60°F ("pile on blankets")
• Away: 50-55°F

Average homeowners:

• Day: 68-70°F
• Night: 62-65°F
• Away: 60-62°F

Comfort-prioritizing homeowners:

• Day: 70-73°F
• Night: 66-68°F
• Away: 68-70°F

Most common compromise setting: 68°F during waking hours, 64°F overnight, balancing comfort, sleep quality, and energy savings.

Ideal Thermostat Settings for Winter: Comfort vs Savings Balance

Finding your personal "ideal" setting requires balancing several factors:

Factors That Influence Your Ideal Setting

1. Home Insulation Quality

• Well-insulated (R-30+ attic, double-pane windows): Can maintain comfort at 66-68°F
• Poorly insulated: May need 70-72°F to feel comfortable
• Action item: Check attic insulation; upgrading from R-19 to R-49 costs $1,500-2,500 but saves $150-300 annually

2. Occupant Activity Level

• Sedentary (working at desk, watching TV): Need 68-70°F
• Active (cooking, cleaning, moving): Comfortable at 65-67°F
• Children playing indoors: Generate heat, can tolerate 66-68°F

3. Clothing and Layering

• Light clothing (t-shirt, shorts): Requires 72-74°F
• Normal indoor clothing (long sleeves, pants): Comfortable at 68-70°F
• Layered clothing (sweater, slippers): Comfortable at 64-66°F
• Heavy layering (hoodie, thick socks): Comfortable at 60-64°F

Pro tip: Every additional clothing layer = approximately 3-4°F of warmth, allowing you to lower thermostat and save 3-4% on heating.

4. Age and Health Considerations

5. Humidity Levels

• Dry air (20-30% humidity): Feels cooler, may need 69-71°F
• Optimal humidity (35-45%): Comfortable at 68°F
• High humidity (50%+): Feels warmer, can use 66-68°F

Humidity tip: Running a humidifier to maintain 40-45% relative humidity makes 68°F feel like 70-71°F, allowing lower thermostat settings without discomfort.

Setting the Thermostat for Winter: Day vs Night Strategy

The most effective winter heating strategy uses temperature setbacks during sleep and away periods:

The 7-10 Degree Setback Rule

Energy.gov recommendation: Lower your thermostat by 7-10°F for 8 hours daily to achieve up to 10% annual heating cost reduction.

How to implement:

Scenario 1: Work-from-Home Schedule

• 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM: 68°F (awake hours)
• 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM: 60°F (sleeping)
• 8-hour setback = 8°F reduction
• Expected savings: 8-10% annually

Scenario 2: Away-at-Work Schedule

• 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM: 58°F (away at work)
• 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM: 68°F (home and awake)
• 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM: 62°F (sleeping)
• Total 13 hours of reduced settings
• Expected savings: 12-15% annually

Does Lowering Thermostat at Night Really Save Money?

Yes, absolutely. Here's the science:

The slower your home loses heat, the less energy required. The temperature differential between indoors and outdoors determines heat loss rate. By lowering your thermostat:

• Smaller temperature gap = slower heat loss
• Less frequent furnace cycling
• Reduced total runtime
• Lower energy consumption

Example:

• Outside temperature: 25°F
• Inside at 68°F: 43-degree difference (high heat loss)
• Inside at 60°F: 35-degree difference (lower heat loss)
• Result: 15-20% less heat escapes through walls, windows, and ceiling

Common Myth: "It Takes More Energy to Reheat"

FALSE. This persistent myth has been debunked by energy researchers.

The truth: You always save energy by lowering the thermostat, regardless of reheating. The energy needed to bring temperature back up is always less than the energy saved during the setback period.

Why the myth exists: When your furnace reheats your home, it runs continuously for 30-60 minutes, making it seem like it's working harder. But the total energy used is still less than maintaining the higher temperature all night.

Smart Thermostat Automation for Winter Efficiency

Programmable and smart thermostats automate temperature setbacks, ensuring consistency without manual adjustments.

Smart Thermostat Benefits for Winter

Automatic scheduling:

• Set it once, save forever
• No forgetting to adjust before bed or leaving home
• Consistent energy savings (studies show 10-15% average reduction)

Learning algorithms:

• Learns your schedule and preferences
• Adjusts to weather forecasts
• Optimizes runtime for efficiency

Remote control:

• Adjust from anywhere via smartphone
• Change schedule if plans change
• Monitor energy usage in real-time

Geofencing:

• Detects when you leave home (automatically lowers temp)
• Detects when you're returning (begins preheating)
• Never waste energy heating an empty house

Best Smart Thermostats for Winter 2025

ROI example:

• Cost: $199 (Ecobee)
• Annual heating savings: $140 (15% of $850 heating costs)
• Payback period: 1.4 years
• Lifetime savings (10-year thermostat life): $1,400

How to Program Your Thermostat for Maximum Winter Savings

Standard winter schedule:

Monday-Friday:
6:00 AM: Heat to 68°F (wake up)
8:00 AM: Lower to 58°F (leave for work)
4:30 PM: Heat to 68°F (arrive home soon)
10:00 PM: Lower to 62°F (bedtime)

Saturday-Sunday:
7:00 AM: Heat to 68°F (wake up)

10:00 PM: Lower to 62°F (bedtime)

Adjust based on your specific schedule and experiment to find your comfort threshold.

Energy Saving Heat Temperature Tips Beyond Thermostat Settings

Maximize efficiency with these complementary strategies:

1. Seal Air Leaks (Saves 10-20% on Heating)

Priority areas:

• Windows and doors (use weatherstripping)
• Attic access hatches
• Electrical outlets on exterior walls
• Where pipes enter the home
• Fireplace dampers when not in use

DIY cost: $50-150 in materials
Annual savings: $85-170

2. Upgrade Insulation

Focus areas:

• Attic: Upgrade to R-49 (highest ROI)
• Basement rim joists: Often forgotten, easy DIY project
• Crawl spaces: Seal and insulate

Professional cost: $1,500-3,000
Annual savings: $150-350
Payback: 5-8 years

3. Use Ceiling Fans Correctly

Winter setting: Reverse to clockwise rotation

• Pushes warm air down from ceiling
• Makes room feel 2-3°F warmer
• Allows 2-3°F lower thermostat setting
• Run on LOW speed only

Savings: $20-40 annually per frequently-used room

4. Maximize Passive Solar Heating

During sunny winter days:

• Open curtains/blinds on south-facing windows
• Free solar heat can raise room temp 3-5°F
• Close curtains at night to prevent heat loss

Insulated cellular shades provide R-value of 3-5, reducing heat loss through windows by 40-50%

5. Maintain Your Heating System

Annual maintenance ($80-150) includes:

• Clean/replace furnace filter (do monthly yourself)
• Inspect burner and heat exchanger
• Clean blower assembly
• Check thermostat calibration

Result: 5-10% efficiency improvement, fewer breakdowns, extended equipment life

6. Use Space Heaters Strategically

Cost-effective for:

• Heating one room while lowering whole-house thermostat
• Supplementing heat in coldest room
• Home offices during work hours

Example calculation:

• Lower whole-house heat from 70°F to 66°F (save $40/month)
• Run 1,500W space heater in office 8 hours/day (costs $25/month)
• Net savings: $15/month = $60/season

Safety note: Never leave space heaters unattended; keep away from curtains and furniture.

7. Close Vents in Unused Rooms

Controversial but effective:

• Closing vents in 1-2 seldom-used rooms can redirect heat to main living areas
• Don't close more than 20% of home's vents (causes pressure imbalance)
• Best for guest bedrooms, formal dining rooms

Caution: Some HVAC systems don't work well with closed vents, monitor for issues

8. Reverse Window Treatments

Thermal curtains:

• Close at night to prevent heat loss
• Open during sunny days for passive heating
• Provide insulation value equivalent to 2-3°F warmer setting

Cost: $50-150 per window
Savings: $30-60 annually

Common Winter Thermostat Questions Answered

Should I Turn Heat Completely Off When Away?

No, risky for these reasons:

• Pipes can freeze and burst (average repair: $500-2,000)
• Humidity can cause mold in cold, damp spaces
• Plants and pets may be endangered
• Home takes much longer to reheat

Instead: Set to 55-60°F for short trips, 50-55°F for extended vacations

Does Turning Heat Up and Down Waste Energy?

No, this is a persistent myth. Lowering your thermostat always saves energy, period. The energy needed to reheat is less than the energy saved during the setback period.

Exception: Homes with heat pumps should use smaller setbacks (3-5°F instead of 7-10°F) because auxiliary heat is expensive.

How Long Does It Take to Heat a Cold House?

Average time to raise temperature 8-10°F: 30-60 minutes

Factors affecting reheat time:

• Furnace size and efficiency
• Home size and insulation
• Starting temperature
• Outside temperature

Pro tip: Smart thermostats learn your home's reheat time and automatically start preheating so you arrive to a warm house.

Is 60°F Too Cold for Sleeping?

For most people: No. Sleep experts recommend 60-67°F for optimal sleep quality.

Benefits of cooler sleeping:

• Helps your body's natural temperature drop during sleep
• May improve deep sleep phases
• Reduces night sweating
• Studies link cool sleeping temps to better rest

If 60°F feels too cold: Start at 65°F and gradually lower by 1°F every few nights until you find your comfort zone.

Can Lowering Heat Damage My Home?

Generally no, with exceptions:

Safe temperature range: 50-80°F year-round won't harm most homes

Risk areas:

• Below 50°F: Pipe freeze risk increases significantly
• Below 40°F: Certain materials can be damaged (some paints, wood finishes)
• High humidity + cold: Can cause condensation and mold

Houseplants: Most tolerate 60-75°F; tropicals need 65°F minimum

Pets: Dogs and cats with normal coats tolerate 60-65°F fine; hairless breeds or elderly pets need 68°F+

Not sure how low is too low for your home? Every HVAC system and home layout is different. Team Enoch can inspect your system, set safe temperature limits, and install thermostats that protect your home while reducing energy costs.

2025 Winter Heating Costs & Why Settings Matter More Than Ever

Energy costs are climbing: The average American household now spends $141 per month on heating (winter months), up 41% since 2020.

Why Heating Costs Increased

1. Natural gas prices: Rose 50% since 2020 due to supply constraints
2. Electricity costs: Up 15-20% due to infrastructure upgrades
3. Climate change: Extreme cold snaps increase demand
4. Aging HVAC systems: Many homes have 15+ year old inefficient equipment

New 2025 Energy Efficiency Standards

Good news: New federal regulations require higher-efficiency heating equipment:

Minimum furnace efficiency (AFUE):

• Northern states: 95% AFUE minimum (up from 80%)
• Southern states: 90% AFUE minimum

What this means: If you replace your furnace in 2025 or later, your new system will be significantly more efficient, potentially saving 15-20% on heating costs even at the same thermostat settings.

Federal Tax Credits for Heating Upgrades

2025 Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit:

• Up to $2,000 tax credit for qualifying heat pumps
• Up to $600 tax credit for high-efficiency furnaces (95%+ AFUE)
• Up to $150 credit for smart thermostats
• No lifetime limit, can claim annually

Efficiency upgrade ROI:

• New 96% AFUE furnace: $3,500-5,500 installed
• Federal tax credit: $600
• Net cost: $2,900-4,900
• Annual savings: $250-400 (vs old 80% furnace)
• Payback: 7-12 years