The Best Indoor HVAC Thermostat Settings for Winter

Some like it hot; some like it cold. That can mean disagreements over the optimal temperature for your HVAC thermostat settings in winter. Fitch Services has some tips on where to set your thermostat to keep harmony in your home and your heating bills down.

There are various reasons for preferring a particular HVAC winter temperature. Grandma might want to keep things cozy at 75 degrees while Mom likes a cool room in the low 60s for sleeping. And everyone likes to pay less for their HVAC heating bills. So, let’s break it down and let you decide on the best thermostat setting for your home this winter. (And here’s a hint: It might change based on time of day and how many people are home!)

Most Efficient Winter HVAC Settings

Technology is a wonder, and that’s the reason so many people are choosing to install smart thermostats. They let the homeowner adjust the HVAC settings all day and night. According to Energy Star, in the winter months, it’s most efficient to set your thermostat to 68 degrees during the day and lower it by 10 to 12 degrees at night. Sure, you might need to bundle up and pile on the blankets but you could save close to $100 a year on your heating bills.

Winter Thermostat Settings That Keep Everyone Happy

Sometimes comfort trumps lower bills, and if you have particularly persistent family members who don’t like a chill, you’ll probably want to set your winter HVAC temperature at 71. That’s the number used by most restaurants and malls because it just feels good— warm but not too hot. You’ll pay the price for this comfort though, especially during the coldest months of the year when your HVAC will have to work hard to keep up. You can mitigate the cost a bit by lowering your thermostat at least five degrees when no one is home or when you have multiple people in the space since body heat can make up some of the difference.

Healthiest Winter HVAC Temperature

You eat your kale and hit the gym at least three times a week, so it makes sense you’d want to choose the winter HVAC temperature that’s best for your body. Okay, we get it. So, let’s consider what science says.

An indoor temperature of between 60 and 67 degrees is best, according to the Cleveland Clinic. A temperature above 70 degrees disrupts REM sleep. Below 60 degrees, your blood vessels constrict, and your breathing may become more shallow as your body works harder to warm itself. An exception to this temperature range is for babies, who should sleep in a room that’s between 65 and 70 degrees.

Now that you’ve considered the reasons behind winter HVAC thermostat settings for winter, you’re ready to hunker down for the season. Maybe you’ll be bundled up inside or maybe you’ll choose to keep it warm all the time. It’s your house, after all! If you have any concerns with your HVAC system this winter, Fitch Services is here to help. Contact us at 434-296-9980 with any questions you may have.