What Should I Set My Heater To In Winter

Figuring out the best temperature setting for your heater in winter can be a balancing act. You want to be comfortable, but you also want to keep your energy bills manageable. This guide will walk you through the factors to consider, helping you make an informed decision that suits your needs and budget.

Understanding the Basics of Home Heating

Before diving into specific temperature recommendations, it's helpful to understand how your heating system works and how different settings affect energy consumption.

Types of Heating Systems

Several common types of heating systems are used in homes, each with its own characteristics:

Forced Air Systems: These systems use a furnace to heat air, which is then distributed throughout the house via ductwork and vents. Think of it like a central lung, pushing warm air to every room.
Heat Pumps: Heat pumps work by transferring heat from one place to another. In the winter, they extract heat from the outside air (yes, even cold air contains some heat!) and pump it indoors. Think of refrigerant as the 'blood' of your AC/heat pump system, carrying heat from inside to outside (in summer) and from outside to inside (in winter).
Radiant Heating: Radiant heating systems, like radiators or in-floor heating, warm objects and surfaces directly, rather than heating the air. This can provide a more consistent and comfortable heat.
Electric Baseboard Heaters: These heaters use electricity to directly heat the air in a room. They are often used as supplemental heating or in homes without central heating.

How Thermostats Work

Your thermostat is the control center for your heating system. It senses the temperature of the air around it and signals the heating system to turn on or off to maintain the desired temperature. There are two main types of thermostats:

Manual Thermostats: These are simple thermostats with a dial or slider that you manually adjust to set the desired temperature.
Programmable Thermostats: These thermostats allow you to set different temperatures for different times of day or days of the week. This can be a great way to save energy by lowering the temperature when you're away or asleep.
Smart Thermostats: These thermostats offer advanced features like Wi-Fi connectivity, remote control via a smartphone app, and learning capabilities that allow them to automatically adjust the temperature based on your habits and preferences.

The Recommended Temperature: A Starting Point

Energy experts generally recommend setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) when you're awake and active. This temperature provides a good balance between comfort and energy savings.

However, this is just a starting point. Your ideal temperature may vary depending on your personal preferences, the age and insulation of your home, and other factors.

Factors Affecting Your Ideal Temperature

Several factors can influence what temperature you should set your heater to in the winter:

Personal Comfort

Ultimately, the most important factor is your personal comfort. Some people feel comfortable at 68 degrees, while others may prefer a warmer or cooler temperature. Experiment to find what works best for you. Consider how you usually dress at home. Do you typically wear layers or prefer lighter clothing?

Age and Health

Infants and elderly individuals often require warmer temperatures to maintain their body heat. People with certain medical conditions may also need to keep their homes warmer. Consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about temperature requirements related to health issues.

Home Insulation

The quality of your home's insulation significantly impacts how well it retains heat. Well-insulated homes require less energy to maintain a comfortable temperature. If your home is poorly insulated, you may need to set the thermostat higher to compensate for heat loss. Check for drafts around windows and doors, and consider adding insulation to your attic and walls if needed.

Window Efficiency

Similar to insulation, the efficiency of your windows affects heat loss. Single-pane windows are significantly less efficient than double-pane or triple-pane windows. Consider upgrading your windows to improve energy efficiency.

Air Leaks

Air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings can allow cold air to enter your home, making it harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Seal any air leaks with caulk or weather stripping.

Cost of Energy

The cost of energy in your area can also influence your temperature setting. If energy prices are high, you may be more inclined to set the thermostat lower to save money.

Saving Energy with Temperature Adjustments

One of the most effective ways to save energy during the winter is to lower the thermostat when you're away from home or asleep. Studies have shown that you can save as much as 10% on your heating bill by turning your thermostat back 7-10 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours a day.

Setting the Thermostat When Away

When you're away from home for extended periods, such as during the day while you're at work, lower the thermostat to 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit (13-16 degrees Celsius). This will prevent your pipes from freezing and reduce energy consumption. Don't turn it off completely, as it takes more energy to reheat a completely cold house than to maintain a lower temperature.

Setting the Thermostat at Night

Lowering the thermostat at night while you're asleep can also save energy. Most people sleep better in a cooler room. A temperature of 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit (16-19 degrees Celsius) is generally considered comfortable for sleeping. Use extra blankets if needed.

Using a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

A programmable or smart thermostat can automate these temperature adjustments, making it easier to save energy without sacrificing comfort. Set your thermostat to automatically lower the temperature when you're away or asleep, and raise it again before you wake up or return home. Smart thermostats can even learn your schedule and preferences, automatically adjusting the temperature based on your habits.

Tips for Maximizing Heating Efficiency

In addition to adjusting your thermostat, there are several other things you can do to maximize heating efficiency in your home:

Seal Air Leaks

Caulk and weatherstrip around windows, doors, and other openings to prevent air leaks. This will help to keep warm air inside and cold air outside.

Improve Insulation

Add insulation to your attic, walls, and floors to reduce heat loss. The recommended insulation levels vary depending on your climate zone.

Maintain Your Heating System

Schedule regular maintenance for your heating system to ensure that it's running efficiently. This includes changing air filters, cleaning burners, and inspecting ductwork. A dirty or poorly maintained system can consume significantly more energy.

Use Space Heaters Wisely

Space heaters can be useful for heating a small area, but they are generally less efficient than central heating systems. Use them sparingly and only in rooms that you're actively using. Never leave space heaters unattended.

Open Curtains During the Day

Open curtains and blinds during the day to allow sunlight to warm your home. Close them at night to help insulate your windows.

Reverse Ceiling Fans

Most ceiling fans have a switch that allows you to reverse the direction of the blades. In the winter, set the fan to rotate clockwise (when viewed from below) at a low speed. This will gently push warm air that has risen to the ceiling back down into the room.

Dress Appropriately

Wear warm clothing indoors to reduce your need to turn up the thermostat. Layers are particularly effective for trapping heat.

Consider a Home Energy Audit

A professional home energy audit can identify areas where your home is losing energy and recommend solutions to improve energy efficiency. Many utility companies offer free or discounted energy audits.

Addressing Specific Heating Challenges

Certain situations may require adjustments to your heating strategy. Here are some common scenarios:

Drafty Homes

If you live in a drafty home, you may need to set the thermostat higher to compensate for heat loss. Focus on sealing air leaks and improving insulation to address the root cause of the problem. Consider using area rugs to insulate floors and draft stoppers at the bottom of doors.

Rooms That Are Difficult to Heat

Some rooms may be naturally colder than others due to factors like poor insulation or exposure to the elements. Use space heaters to supplement the heating in these rooms. Make sure the vents are open and unobstructed.

Homes with Multiple Zones

If your home has multiple heating zones, you can set different temperatures in each zone to optimize comfort and energy savings. For example, you might set a higher temperature in the living room during the day and a lower temperature in the bedrooms at night. Close off vents in unused rooms to direct heat to the areas you're using.

The Bottom Line: Finding Your Ideal Setting

There is no single "right" temperature setting for your heater in winter. The ideal setting depends on your personal comfort, the characteristics of your home, and your energy-saving goals. Experiment with different settings to find what works best for you, and don't be afraid to adjust the thermostat as needed throughout the day or week. By understanding the factors that influence heating efficiency and implementing energy-saving strategies, you can stay comfortable and save money on your energy bills.

Remember to prioritize safety. Never use unapproved heating devices and always ensure proper ventilation when using fuel-burning appliances.