heat setting for winter

As the weather turns, managing your home heating system becomes more of a challenge. You don’t want to overspend, but at the same time, you need to stay warm. Finding the right heat setting for winter isn’t difficult. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, businesses and homeowners should keep their thermostats at 68°F during the day. It’s the lowest temperature where people feel comfortable without putting on extra layers.

But if you don’t mind wearing sweaters at home, or snuggling under blankets, then lowering your thermostat a little more will save a significant amount of money ‒ three percent for every degree. However, keep in mind that anything below 64°F can put your health at risk. While you might not catch hypothermia or get frostbite, it’ll make you more susceptible to illness and your hands, feet, and skin can become red or cracked.

When to Adjust Your Winter Heat Setting

Because seniors and toddlers are more sensitive to cold, they do best when the temperature is set to 70-72°F. But while you may want to crank it up for them, you should also lower it before going to bed. With blankets and sheets to keep you warm, lowering your furnace to 60-65°F will keep you comfortable until morning.

You should also lower the temperature whenever you leave the house. The ideal heat setting for winter is 60-65°F while you’re at school or work. At that level, you can quickly reheat the house when you get home while keeping energy costs low.

Help Controlling Your Heating System

Installing a smart thermostat provides greater control over your home temperature. With a smart thermostat, you can create a heating schedule, ensuring your furnace is always set to the right level day or night. Smart thermostats can also be adjusted remotely through your smartphone, allowing you to raise or lower temperatures throughout the day, no matter where you are.

Smart thermostats aren’t smart just because they’re easy to use. They’re smart because over time they learn to anticipate your schedule and raise or lower the temperature automatically to maximize your comfort and savings.

Protecting Your Furnace

Besides managing your heat setting, the best way to save money this winter is by protecting your heating system. With Agway’s EnergyGuardTM program, when your furnace* breaks down, you don’t have to pay out of pocket to have it fixed. We pay for repairs instead, including all covered parts. There are no deductibles or service fees. Just reliable support available 24/7. Learn more and sign up today!

*Coverage depends on commodity purchased.