Best temperature to set thermostat in winter to save money

Heating is often the largest utility cost for a household. A few degrees can be the difference between a $150 bill and a $400 bill.

The 68-Degree Rule

The Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 68°F (20°C) while you are awake at home. For every degree you lower your thermostat for an 8-hour period, you can save about 1% on your heating bill. This means that if you lower the temperature to 60°F while you are at work and while you are asleep, you could save up to 15% annually on your heating costs. While 68°F might feel slightly chilly at first, your body will adjust within a few days, especially if you layer your clothing.

A Smart Thermostat (like Nest or Ecobee) is one of the highest-ROI investments you can make in your home. These devices learn your schedule and automatically lower the heat when you aren't home, ensuring you never 'forget' to save money. Most local utility companies even offer rebates that make the device almost free.

Folk Wisdom vs. Science: The 'Big Heat' Myth

Many people believe that it takes 'more energy' to reheat a house than it does to just keep it warm all day. This is a scientific myth. The faster a house loses heat, the more energy it takes to replace it. A cooler house loses heat more slowly than a warmer one. Therefore, the lower you keep the temperature while you are away, the less total energy you will use, even accounting for the 'warm-up' period when you return.

Peripheral Insulation Hacks

• Reverse Your Fans: Most ceiling fans have a small switch to reverse the direction of the blades. In winter, running them slowly in reverse (clockwise) pushes the trapped warm air near the ceiling back down to the floor.
• Sunny Days vs. Cold Nights: Open your curtains during sunny days to let the 'greenhouse effect' heat your home for free. Close them as soon as the sun goes down to add a layer of insulation to your windows.
• Draft Stoppers: A simple 'snake' at the bottom of doors to the garage or outside can prevent a huge amount of heat loss for less than $10.
• Humidity Matters: Dry air feels colder than humid air. Using a humidifier can make 68°F feel like 70°F, allowing you to keep the thermostat lower.