Exact Temperature To Set Your Thermostat To Keep Your Home Warm and Save on Heating Bills

Winter has arrived in full force, with a huge swath of the country being plunged into freezing temperatures and receiving a blast of snow.

This means cranking up the heat. However, for many Americans, the added warmth equates to dishing out more money.

There’s a simple way to keep more dollars in your pocket—and it’s a numbers game.

If you want to be energy-efficient and save money, there’s an exact temperature to set your thermostat.

The ideal setting is 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 60 degrees at night, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

It might feel like a chilly choice, but it’s advised to use extra blankets and sweaters to make up for the lack of heat. The positive news is the money you’ll save.

“It’s a simple change that requires no extra effort, but can lead to noticeable savings,” Omero Flores, CEO of American AC & Heating in Harlingen, TX, tells Realtor.com®.

The average monthly home heating bill is $154.92. By making minor changes, homeowners can save as much as 10% a year on heating their homes, according to energy.gov.

“Having your thermostat set at a consistent temperature also puts less wear and tear on the unit, extending the life of your system,” adds Flores.

In the end, the best way to find the ideal temperature when you’re home is to set your thermostat as low as possible and as comfortable for you.

When you’re out of the home, turning it down even further can save you money.

More money-saving tips

If you want to do a sweep of your home to see if there are other ways to save, energy.gov has more advice.

• Programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat allows you to set the desired temperatures based on when you will be at home or away from home. Experts add it’s a convenience that allows you to automate temperature changes without needing to think about it.
• Blinds/Drapes: When you choose to let sunlight in will make a difference, too. Opening blinds during the day for sunlight will help warm your home. Closing them at night will block out cold air.
• Gaps: Check for any gaps around windows where you’re losing heat. If you feel a draft, use caulk to help seal any space.
• Doors: If there’s a space between your door, you might want to consider weatherstripping.
• Filters: Changing air filters will help save money. That’s because dirty filters limit airflow, which leads to overworking your system. HVAC experts say to check your filters monthly and replace them every 30 to 90 days.

The EPA points out that insulating your water heater and heating and cooling pipes plays a role in lowering your utility bills.

An insulation blanket for your water heater will reduce heat costs by 25% to 40%, according to the EPA. The Home Depot store sells fiberglass water heater blankets starting at $30.

“Efficient heating is about keeping the warm air where you need it,” says Flores. “These small efforts make your HVAC system’s job easier and your energy bills lower over time.”