When the cold season arrives, every homeowner wants to stay comfortable without watching energy bills skyrocket. Finding the best temperature for heater in winter is all about balance — staying warm enough while using energy efficiently. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends keeping your thermostat around 68°F (20°C) when you’re home and awake. This simple adjustment can make a big difference in both comfort and cost. By understanding the best temperature to set thermostat in winter to save money, you can create the ideal house temp in winter for your family and your budget.
Why Finding the Right Temperature Matters
Your thermostat setting doesn’t just affect your comfort — it directly impacts how much you spend on heating each month. Setting your system too high forces your furnace or heat pump to work harder, wasting energy and increasing wear on the equipment. Too low, and your home may feel chilly and uncomfortable. Finding the right middle ground helps maintain a consistent house temperature in winter that keeps you warm while preventing unnecessary energy loss. If your system struggles to keep up or shows signs of uneven warmth, it might be time for a quick check from a heating specialist. Small thermostat changes can cut heating costs by up to 10% each year, proving that even a few degrees make a real difference.
What Is the Ideal Thermostat Temperature in Winter?
Recommended winter thermostat settings
Choosing the right thermostat setting can make a big difference in both comfort and energy savings during cold months. Homeowners often ask, what temperature should your house be in the winter? Experts agree that the ideal house temperature in winter depends on when you’re home, sleeping, or away. Generally, setting your thermostat to 68°F (20°C) while you’re awake provides a comfortable balance between warmth and efficiency. Lowering it slightly when you’re sleeping or out can help reduce energy use without sacrificing comfort. The table below summarizes good temperature for house in winter recommendations for different times of day and activities.
| Time / Situation | Recommended Temperature |
| Home and awake | 68°F / 20°C |
| Sleeping or away during the day | 60–65°F / 15–18°C |
| Extended vacation | 55°F / 13°C (to prevent freezing) |
Why 68°F (20°C) is considered the sweet spot
Many energy experts and HVAC specialists recommend 68°F (20°C) as the ideal house temperature in winter for most households. At this level, your heating system works efficiently without overconsuming energy, while keeping indoor spaces warm and comfortable. Lower temperatures may save more energy but can leave your home feeling chilly and dry, especially in colder climates. Conversely, setting the heat higher increases costs significantly. That’s why 68°F is widely regarded as a good temperature for house in winter—it maintains comfort for most people and helps reduce utility bills. If you find this slightly cool, consider layering clothing or using a humidifier to enhance perceived warmth.
When to Lower the Temperature: Night and Away Settings
Knowing when to adjust your thermostat can further improve efficiency and comfort. When you’re asleep or not at home, lowering the heat by 5–8 degrees can save up to 10% annually on heating costs. For instance, if your house temperature in winter is normally set at 68°F, reducing it to around 60°F while you sleep helps your system run less often while still maintaining comfort under blankets. Similarly, lowering the setting during work hours prevents wasted energy. The key is to find what feels comfortable and practical for your lifestyle. If your system struggles to maintain these temperature changes or runs inefficiently, it may be worth considering whether it’s time for a replacement. A programmable or smart thermostat can automatically manage these changes, ensuring your house temperature in winter stays efficient and consistent without constant manual adjustments.
Best temperature for sleeping
When it comes to comfort and savings, lowering the heat at night can make a noticeable difference. The average home temperature in winter typically ranges between 66°F and 70°F, but studies show that slightly cooler conditions promote better sleep. Setting your thermostat between 60°F and 65°F (15–18°C) creates an ideal sleeping environment — your body naturally cools down during rest, so a lower temperature supports deeper, uninterrupted sleep. It also prevents your heating system from overworking when you don’t need maximum warmth. If you’re wondering what temperature should you keep your house in the winter for healthy, comfortable sleep, around 62°F is a great starting point. A warm blanket and proper insulation will keep you cozy without driving up your energy bills.
Energy-saving settings when you’re away or on vacation
If your home will be empty for several hours or days, adjusting your thermostat can lead to significant savings. Many homeowners overlook how much energy their system uses even when no one is home. For short absences — such as work hours — lowering the thermostat by 5–8 degrees from your usual average home temperature in winter helps reduce costs without discomfort when you return. During extended vacations, experts recommend setting the temperature around 55°F (13°C) to prevent frozen pipes while conserving energy. This is the best answer to what temperature should you keep your house in the winter when you’re away: cool enough to save money, but warm enough to protect your home.
Smart and Programmable Thermostats for Effortless Control
Upgrading to a smart or programmable thermostat is one of the easiest ways to improve comfort and reduce energy costs during the winter. These devices help maintain the ideal house temperature in winter automatically, so you don’t have to adjust the heat manually throughout the day. Whether you prefer simple scheduling or advanced smart-home integration, a modern thermostat can learn your habits, optimize efficiency, and keep your home consistently warm. By taking control of your heating schedule, you’ll not only enjoy greater convenience but also save money over the long term.
Benefits of smart temperature control
Modern thermostats make it easier than ever to manage your home’s heating efficiently. Smart and programmable models automatically adjust to your schedule and preferences, keeping the temperature comfortable while cutting energy waste. Unlike traditional thermostats, these devices can learn your habits and optimize heating patterns, maintaining a consistent average home temperature in winter without constant manual adjustments. If you’ve ever wondered what temperature should you keep your house in the winter to save money, a smart thermostat can do that thinking for you. Here are the main benefits of upgrading to a connected thermostat:
- Energy savings: Automatically lowers temperature when you’re away or asleep.
- Convenience: Control settings from your smartphone, even when you’re not home.
- Comfort optimization: Learns your preferences to keep every room at the right warmth.
- Detailed energy reports: See how small adjustments impact your utility bills.
Choosing between programmable and smart thermostats
Both programmable and smart thermostats can help you achieve the ideal house temperature in winter, but they differ in features and convenience. A programmable thermostat follows fixed schedules that you set manually, while a smart thermostat adapts dynamically to your lifestyle using sensors, geolocation, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The table below compares their core advantages to help you decide which fits your home and heating goals best.
| Feature | Programmable Thermostat | Smart Thermostat |
| Control | Manual schedules set by user | Automatic adjustments via learning algorithms |
| Remote Access | No | Yes — through mobile apps |
| Energy Reports | Limited or none | Detailed, with insights for savings |
| Installation Cost | Lower | Higher, but with greater long-term savings |
Improve Comfort and Efficiency with a Whole-House Humidifier
A whole-house humidifier is one of the most effective ways to make your home feel warmer at lower temperatures. Dry air in winter can make even the good temperature for house in winter feel cooler than it actually is, forcing you to raise the thermostat and waste energy. By maintaining ideal humidity levels — typically between 30% and 50% — the air retains more heat and feels more comfortable to breathe. This means you can keep the thermostat a few degrees lower and still feel just as warm, helping you save on heating costs. If, however, your system still struggles to maintain consistent comfort levels, it might be worth checking whether your heating setup needs an upgrade or replacement.
Prevent Heat Loss: Easy Home Insulation Tips
Even if you set the best house temperature for winter, poor insulation can cause heat to escape, making your heating system work harder than necessary. Before turning up the thermostat, take simple steps to keep warm air inside and cold drafts out. A well-insulated home maintains the ideal home temperature in winter more easily and helps you save significantly on energy bills. Here are some quick, effective ways to prevent heat loss and make your heating system more efficient:
- Seal windows and doors: Use weatherstripping or caulk to close gaps where warm air escapes and cold air enters.
- Add insulation to the attic: Heat rises, so extra insulation prevents warmth from escaping through the roof.
- Install thermal curtains: Heavy or insulated drapes reduce window heat loss during cold nights.
- Close unused rooms: Keep doors shut to retain heat in occupied areas and minimize energy waste.
- Use door sweeps: A simple draft stopper at the bottom of exterior doors can block cold air effectively.
Seal windows and doors
Gaps and cracks around windows and doors are major sources of heat loss in most homes. Even small openings let warm air escape, forcing your heating system to work harder to maintain the good temperature to keep house in winter. Inspect seals annually and apply caulk or replace worn weatherstripping where needed. This simple DIY fix can improve comfort, cut energy waste, and help maintain the most energy efficient temperature for winter without overworking your HVAC system.
Check attic and wall insulation
Proper insulation in attics and walls keeps the heat where it belongs — inside your home. If your insulation is old, thin, or damaged, you may struggle to maintain a steady ideal home temperature in winter. Adding or upgrading insulation can reduce heat loss by up to 25%, meaning your heater won’t have to run as frequently to maintain the best house temperature for winter. It’s one of the most cost-effective improvements for energy efficiency and long-term comfort.
Keep Your System Efficient with Regular HVAC Maintenance
No matter what temperature should a house be in winter, your HVAC system needs to run efficiently to keep it stable. Routine maintenance ensures that every component — from filters to blower motors — works properly, preventing breakdowns and keeping energy use low. Regular tune-ups help your system deliver the most energy efficient temperature for winter with less effort and lower costs. Below is a quick comparison showing how regular versus neglected maintenance affects system performance and heating expenses.
| Maintenance Type | System Performance | Energy Efficiency | Average Heating Cost |
| Regular annual tune-up | Runs smoothly, distributes heat evenly | High — maintains ideal home temperature in winter efficiently | Lower by up to 15–20% |
| Neglected maintenance | Reduced airflow, uneven heating | Poor — system overworks to maintain warmth | Higher energy bills and increased wear |
Why tune-ups improve performance
Regular HVAC tune-ups involve cleaning components, checking airflow, and calibrating the thermostat. These steps ensure your system can easily maintain the good temperature to keep house in winter without straining. A well-maintained furnace or heat pump runs quieter, heats faster, and distributes warmth evenly, keeping your home consistently comfortable.
How maintenance reduces heating costs
Skipping maintenance might save time now, but it leads to higher bills later. Dirty filters, worn belts, or misaligned components make your system work harder, consuming more energy to reach the same ideal home temperature in winter. Regular servicing not only prevents costly repairs but also helps maintain the most energy efficient temperature for winter, reducing heating expenses throughout the season.
Bonus Tip: Where to Place Your Thermostat for Best Results
Even if you know the best house temperature for winter, you won’t get accurate readings if your thermostat is in the wrong spot. Placement plays a huge role in how efficiently your heating system runs and how comfortable your home feels. To maintain the ideal home temperature in winter, install your thermostat on an interior wall in a central area of the house — away from direct sunlight, drafts, vents, or windows. If it’s near a heat source or cold spot, the device can misread the temperature and cause your system to run too often or not enough. Avoid placing it in hallways or behind furniture, as this limits airflow and distorts readings. When positioned correctly, your thermostat can maintain the most energy efficient temperature for winter and ensure your heating system works only when needed. Good placement, combined with smart temperature settings, helps you enjoy a consistent and comfortable good temperature to keep house in winter throughout the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should you keep your house in the winter?
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends keeping your thermostat around 68°F (20°C) when you’re home and awake. This is considered the most energy efficient temperature for winter because it balances comfort with energy savings. When you’re asleep or away, lowering it by 5–8 degrees can help reduce heating costs without sacrificing warmth.
What is the best house temperature for winter comfort?
The best house temperature for winter is typically between 68°F and 70°F (20–21°C) when people are at home and active. This range feels comfortable for most families while keeping energy use in check. If it feels a bit cool, adding a humidifier or using layered clothing can help maintain comfort without increasing energy bills.
What’s the ideal home temperature in winter when I’m sleeping?
For better sleep and lower heating costs, the ideal home temperature in winter is around 60–65°F (15–18°C). Cooler air supports deeper rest while saving energy. If you prefer a warmer room, use thicker bedding instead of raising the thermostat — it’s more efficient and comfortable.
What temperature should I set when I’m away or on vacation?
If you’re away for the day, lower the thermostat by 5–8 degrees from your normal setting. For longer vacations, experts recommend keeping it around 55°F (13°C) to prevent frozen pipes.
Does thermostat placement affect heating efficiency?
Absolutely. Poor thermostat placement can cause inaccurate temperature readings and uneven heating. For the most energy efficient temperature for winter, install your thermostat on an interior wall, away from direct sunlight, vents, or exterior doors.
