Ideal Thermostat Settings for Cold Weather

You don’t need to break the bank to stay cozy this season.

Natural gas usage tends to be highest from November to February. As you prepare for the chillier months ahead, maximize your energy savings by setting your thermostat settings to the following temperatures:

Choosing the Right Thermostat Setting for Cold Weather

While turning your heat up to a toasty 72 degrees may sound like the perfect winter thermostat setting, keeping your home at this temperature could be driving up your energy bill. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that you can save up to 1% for each degree (up to 10) you set your thermostat back from its normal setting for at least 8 hours a day.

To stay comfortable during colder months, set your thermostat to 68 degrees while you’re awake and at home. Lower the heat to 60 degrees when you leave the house. This way, you can decrease your natural gas bill without ever feeling the chill. Further, by lowering the temperature, you’ll also be decreasing usage of your furnace: the biggest natural gas hog in your home.

Best Temperature for Sleeping

While your body has a natural need for cooler sleeping temperatures, research shows that temperatures below 54 degrees can wake you up from even the deepest sleep. During the winter, set your heat to 65 degrees at night to achieve optimal sleeping conditions.

This temperature is not only ideal for sleeping, but it can also help you save on your natural gas bill.

Technology Can Help You Save Energy

Regulating your average room temperaturecan be as easy as installing a new thermostat in your home. A simple programmable thermostatcan be set to automatically adjust the temperature at certain times during the day. Want to go more high-tech? Smart thermostats send a wireless signal from your smart phone directly to your thermostat, allowing you to set your home to the right temperature without even needing to be there.