What Temperature to Set Heating in Winter

The temperature you set your thermostat to in winter has a bigger impact on your heating bill than almost any other factor. Here's the science-backed guidance on the ideal settings for every situation.

The Recommended Settings

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends the following thermostat settings for winter:

Why 68°F and Not Higher?

Most people feel comfortable between 68°F and 72°F when dressed appropriately for indoors. The difference in comfort between 68°F and 72°F is small — a light sweater bridges the gap — but the difference in energy cost is significant. Every degree you raise the thermostat above 68°F increases your heating bill by approximately 1–3%.

Setting your thermostat to 72°F instead of 68°F costs 4–12% more to heat your home. Over a full winter, that's a meaningful amount.

The Sleeping Temperature

Sleep researchers consistently find that the ideal sleeping temperature is 60–67°F (15–19°C). Your core body temperature naturally drops during sleep, and a cooler room supports this process, improving sleep quality. Lowering the thermostat at night is both healthier and cheaper.

If you find it too cold in bed at lower temperatures, an electric blanket is far more energy-efficient than heating the whole room. The Homemate Heated Electric Throw Blanket has 10 heat levels, auto-off timers, and overheat protection — it keeps you warm in bed without heating the whole room.

Automate It with a Smart Thermostat

The easiest way to maintain the right temperature at the right times is with a programmable or smart thermostat. Set it once and it handles the adjustments automatically.

• The ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced learns your schedule, uses geofencing to detect when you leave and return, and can save up to 26% on heating and cooling costs annually.
• The Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat is a more affordable option with scheduling, app control, and compatibility with Alexa, Google, and Apple HomeKit.
• For a simple non-smart option, the Suuwer Non-Programmable Thermostat is a reliable, easy-to-use choice for conventional systems.

Special Considerations

Elderly People and Young Children

Older adults and infants are more vulnerable to cold and may need temperatures of 70–72°F (21–22°C) for comfort and safety. Prioritize their needs over energy savings.

Pipes and Frost Protection

Never let your home drop below 55°F (13°C) when you're away, even for extended periods. Below this temperature, pipes in exterior walls can freeze and burst — a far more expensive problem than a slightly higher heating bill.

Humidity

Heated air is dry air. Low humidity makes any temperature feel colder than it is. Maintaining indoor humidity at 40–50% makes 68°F feel more comfortable, allowing you to keep the thermostat lower.

How Much Can You Save?

The DOE estimates that turning your thermostat back 7–10°F for 8 hours a day (while at work or asleep) can save up to 10% per year on heating costs. For a household spending $1,000–$2,000 on winter heating, that's $100–$200 in savings — just from adjusting the schedule.

The bottom line: 68°F when home, 60–65°F when sleeping or away. Automate it with a smart thermostat and you'll save money every day without thinking about it.