The best rule of thumb is to raise the temperature about 5 degrees from what you primarily keep it at. So if you set it at 74 degrees when you're home, then set it to 79 or 80 when you go out of town.
Turning down to 15/16 degrees will suffice. Just because your heater is turned on doesn't mean it has to be set to the same temperature as when you're at home. This will keep your boiler running smoothly while conserving energy and money.
The less your furnace runs, the more money you save. We recommend keeping your thermostat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit while you're awake at home, and then setting it back 10 to 12 degrees when you're away or asleep. This strategy can save you as much as 10 percent a year on your energy bill, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Whether you plan to leave for a vacation or for the season, most heating and cooling professionals recommend setting the thermostat to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will reduce your heating costs and minimize the risk for hazards such as frozen or burst pipes and flooding.
How cold is too cold? Below 13° - If your home is this cold, it may increase your blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular disease. 14-15° - If your home is this cold, you may be diminishing your resistance to respiratory diseases. 18° - This is the recommended night time bedroom temperature.
If you're going to be gone for several hours, instead of turning the system completely off, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends turning your heat down by seven to 10 degrees. They also suggest doing this at night, using blankets to make up the difference in temperature.
Your house could be cold due to an old air filter, a faulty furnace, improper insulation, or leaky ductwork. The simple fixes, like replacing an air filter, are relatively easy to complete. However, if the heater itself needs repairs, it's best to call in a professional to take a look and determine the problem.
According to experts at the Energy Saving Trust, the idea it's cheaper to leave the heating on low all day is a myth. They're clear that having the heating on only when you need it is, in the long run, the best way to save energy, and therefore money.
The Energy Saving Trust recommends heating your home to between 18 to 21 degrees celsius during winter. And The World Health Organisation (WHO) suggests 18 degrees is the ideal temperature for healthy and well-dressed people. Both agree this is also the ideal temperature for sleeping.
The recommended thermostat setting during winter depends on the time of day, and whether you are at home or not. The ideal healthy home temperature should be no higher than 20 degrees Celsius or 68 degrees Fahrenheit. When you're at home during the day, you'll be quite comfortable at this temperature.
Overall, when deciding what temperature is too cold for a home, the house minimum temperature should generally be 64 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius). If the temperature drops below this point, it may be time to start adjusting the thermostat and adding layers of clothing.
Ideal Thermostat Settings
For long-term vacations during the winter, the best winter vacation thermostat setting is somewhere around 55 degrees. This will prevent the furnace from operating unnecessarily since the home's heating demands are significantly reduced during this time.
Set your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter
The energy saving key is lowering the temperature (about 10-12 degrees Fahrenheit or 6-8 degrees Celsius) at night or when you're away.
Thermostat Operation
You can easily save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to around 68°F while you're awake and setting it lower while you're asleep or away from home.
If you're going to be gone for several hours, instead of turning the system completely off, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends turning your heat down by seven to 10 degrees. They also suggest doing this at night, using blankets to make up the difference in temperature.
According to experts at the Energy Saving Trust, the idea it's cheaper to leave the heating on low all day is a myth. They're clear that having the heating on only when you need it is, in the long run, the best way to save energy, and therefore money.
Is it cost effective to turn your heat completely off when you go to work? Is it better than leaving it on steadily? ANSWER: Turning your heat on and off is not cost effective, since your system will have to work extra hard for extra long to get the temperature back up.
“I would recommend turning your heating off at night, or when you are not at home, as this will help to save energy and lower your bills,” says Collier. Temperatures are lower first thing in the morning and once the sun goes down; this is when you are most likely to want the heating on.
In larger homes, a small room may be worth heating individually if it's less than a quarter of the size of the whole house, although there's less benefit if your house is well-insulated.
For long-term vacations during the winter, the best winter vacation thermostat setting is somewhere around 55 degrees. This will prevent the furnace from operating unnecessarily since the home's heating demands are significantly reduced during this time.
Yes, homeowners can save money on their energy and heating bills by turning the thermostat down. You can save almost 15 percent of your total heating bill by lowering your heat by seven degrees overnight (or for any other eight hour period).
Set your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter
The energy saving key is lowering the temperature (about 10-12 degrees Fahrenheit or 6-8 degrees Celsius) at night or when you're away.
The best way to lower your heating bill is to keep your thermostat set at the lowest temperature at which your family is comfortable when they are at home. If your lifestyle allows it, consider lowering that temperature by 6 to 8 degrees at night and while the house is empty, such as during work hours and vacations.