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What Temperature Should a House Be During a Big Freeze? The ‘Goldilocks’ Number You Should Never Ignore

How to maintain the perfect temperature when the cold won’t let up

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An elegant living room features a white marble fireplace with a crackling fire as its focal point, framed by a mix of classic and contemporary furniture. A light-striped settee with pink patterned pillows sits in the foreground, angled toward a brass and glass tiered coffee table holding stacks of art books and white hydrangeas. Beside the fireplace, a dusty-pink upholstered armchair adds a soft touch of color, while a warm wood console table with a decorative lamp and a large green potted plant complete the sophisticated, layered space.
(Image credit: James Merrell)

When temperatures plummet and winter storms sweep across the region, staying comfortable can feel like a delicate balancing act. You want to protect your family’s health and shield your home from costly damage – all without letting your energy bills spiral out of control. So what temperature is truly safe and efficient during the big freeze we’re experiencing right now, and how can you winter-proof your home to withstand the cold?

HVAC experts say there’s a 'Goldilocks' zone – not too hot, not too cold – that balances comfort, safety, and energy efficiency. Staying within this range protects vulnerable parts of your home, like pipes and unheated spaces, while reducing the risk of hidden damage to your heating system. It’s not just about comfort; it’s about keeping your home warm and protected during extreme cold.

The ‘Goldilocks’ Temperature for Health and Safety

For most homes, maintaining a steady temperature between 68 and 70°F is ideal. Kevin Goude, HVAC expert and owner of First Choice Heating & Air, explains that while 68°F is standard, poorly insulated areas or drafty windows often feel more comfortable at 70°F. This extra warmth helps protect basements and exterior-facing pipes from freezing. When preparing your home for a freeze, he also recommends prioritizing rooms with plumbing, such as kitchens and bathrooms, especially if your home has a zoned heating system.

Robert Hamerly, CEO of GreenSavers, agrees that steady warmth is key. He notes that while lower temperatures can save energy, keeping your home within 68 to 72 degrees actually reduces overall energy use. For unoccupied homes, he suggests setting the thermostat to around 50°F – cool enough to save on bills, but warm enough to protect pipes and plants.

Maintaining the best temperature for a thermostat in winter isn’t just about comfort. A 2018 WHO study found that maintaining minimum indoor temperatures is crucial for protecting elderly people, children, and individuals with chronic conditions during cold seasons.

Steady warmth also protects hidden systems, such as water heaters and HVAC ductwork, that run through unheated spaces.

Goude explains that if temperatures drop too low, condensation can form inside ducts, which can lead to ice blockages, mold growth, or reduced airflow when the freeze thaws.

A contemporary living room features a striking fireplace wall clad in floor-to-ceiling book-matched gray and white marble with a fluid, wave-like grain. The fireplace is built into a long, low light-wood console that extends into a cozy reading nook with a tufted cushion and earth-toned pillows. In the foreground, a large mustard-yellow tufted velvet ottoman serves as a coffee table, holding a backgammon set and books, all resting on a blue geometric-patterned rug. A silver-framed television is mounted on the adjacent white wall, while the back of a textured gray sofa anchors the bottom of the frame.

(Image credit: James Merrell)

How to Keep Your Home Warm on a Budget

Keeping a home above 68°F doesn’t mean cranking the heat. Simple strategies can make a big difference. Sealing gaps around windows and doors with weather stripping (Duck Brand Heavy-Duty Weatherstrip Seal at Walmart) and using thermal curtains helps trap warm air inside. Closing doors to rooms you’re not using focuses heat where you actually live. Regular ductwork maintenance ensures heat reaches every room efficiently, as blockages or missing insulation can lead to uneven heating and energy loss.

Other practical adjustments include removing vent covers, servicing your HVAC system, and maintaining your water heater. Using a smart thermostat allows you to maintain the Goldilocks zone without over- or under-heating, helping to save both energy and money during a freeze.

Thermostat on the wall above a mantelpiece with a vase of flowers.

(Image credit: Nest)

Keep Your Home Safe and Comfortable This Winter

Maintaining your home between 68 and 70°F during a big freeze is about more than comfort – it protects your health, your home, and your energy bills. To keep your home in the Goldilocks zone, remember these key tips:

  • Seal drafts and insulate – Use weather stripping on doors and windows and thermal curtains to keep warm air in.
  • Focus heating on used spaces – Close doors to unused rooms so warmth stays where you need it most.
  • Maintain ductwork – Check for blockages, missing insulation, or leaks to ensure heat is distributed efficiently.
  • Service your heating system – Regular HVAC and water heater maintenance keeps your system working effectively.
  • Use a smart thermostat – Maintain steady temperatures without over- or under-heating, saving energy and money.

‘Keeping your home at a steady, safe temperature isn’t just about comfort – it’s about protecting your family, preserving the house itself, and avoiding hidden costs or damage that often go unnoticed,’ says Kevin Goude, HVAC expert and owner of First Choice Heating & Air. ‘A reliable, consistent warmth creates peace of mind: you know your pipes are safe, your heating system isn’t overworking, and your home is ready to weather even the coldest days.’

Fireplace ideas for living rooms

(Image credit: Future)

FAQs

How Cold Is Too Cold for a House?

For a home that’s being lived in, temperatures below 62°F are generally considered too cold, as prolonged exposure can increase the risk of cardiovascular and circulation issues. From a structural standpoint, extended periods below 50°F put your home at higher risk for problems like frozen pipes, condensation, and mold growth.

Is It Safe to Leave the Heating On All Night During Freezing Weather?

When temperatures stay below freezing for an extended period, it can be beneficial to leave the heating on a low setting overnight or program it to come on intermittently. This helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature, protecting both your home and the people inside, especially vulnerable residents like the elderly and young children.

Jennifer Ebert
Jennifer Ebert
Editor

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens, bringing years of interiors experience across the US and UK. She has worked with leading publications, blending expertise in PR, marketing, social media, commercial strategy, and e-commerce. Jennifer has covered every corner of the home – curating projects from top interior designers, sourcing celebrity properties, reviewing appliances, and delivering timely news. Now, she channels her digital skills into shaping the world’s leading interiors website.

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