The best temperature for a thermostat in winter – according to HVAC pros

When trying to heat homes in winter, there is a common belief that setting your thermostat higher means you feel warmer – but that isn’t always the case, experts have revealed. 

In fact, not only does it not make you warmer quicker, but it costs you more than necessary, too, they say. 

So what is the best temperature for a thermostat in winter? HVAC pros say it could be lower than you think to help keep your home warm all day. 

The best temperature for a thermostat in winter  

One of the most common thermostat mistakes is setting it too high. Turning this temperature up may make your home a little warmer, but it is often more expensive than it is worth. For maximum efficiency, you only need to set it to around 68°F (20°C), reveals Anthony Carrino, celebrity home renovator at Trane Residential. 

‘While each home is different (based on the age of the home, the size, and location), this is often considered the best temperature to set your thermostat at during winter to save money at home, while also keeping your home comfortable,’ he explains.

Anthony Carrino

Anthony Carrino has been involved in the real estate development, construction, and design industry for the past 25+ years. He has made over 200 episodes of television for the likes of HGTV, Rachael Ray, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, A&E, and even produced, shot, and starred in his own digital series; TheBuild.tv.

While this may seem low, 68°F has been proven to strike that careful balance between comfort and energy consumption, continues Andrei Jablokow, home inspector at WIN Home Inspection. Any lower, he says, and the homeowner cuts energy bills but is cold and risks moisture issues such as mold and condensation – even with dehumidifiers. Set your thermostat higher and you may be toasty, but you will be spending exorbitant amounts on bills unnecessarily.  

Andrei Jablokow, PhD.

Andrei Jablokow is a graduate of the Professional Association of Building Inspectors (PABI)  and has over 145 hours of residential inspection procedures and technical training. He also holds a PhD in mechanical engineering and is a certified property inspector. 

It is worth noting that this is a slightly higher temperature than the temperature to set your thermostat when on winter vacation when you can turn the heat down to maintain your pipes without having to worry about keeping warm.  

How to set your thermostat

How you set your thermostat will depend on the type you have. A standard dial thermostat requires turning until the temperature you require lines up with the markation on the device. A digital thermostat likewise only needs to be adjusted by pressing the up and down arrow buttons on the device. Be sure to consult the manual if there are other settings on your thermostat you are not sure about.

When managing your heating in winter, it helps to have a smart thermostat installed to allow you to monitor your heating and program it to come on when the temperature in your home drops too low. These handy devices also mean you won't have to keep your heating on overnight, helping to make your heating more efficient. 

‘Having a smart thermostat is a game changer and is something that I recommend to all of my clients, as it will learn your lifestyle patterns and automatically optimize the temperature for maximum efficiency and energy conservation,’ Anthony Carrino, expert home renovator, shares. ‘They can also integrate seamlessly with other smart home appliances, granting you unparalleled control over your living space for greater savings,’ he adds.

Of course, it also helps to try methods to keep your home warm without turning up the heat when trying to be smart about your energy usage in winter. Small changes such as draft proofing and using thermal curtains and floor coverings to block heat loss through windows and floors can go a long way in maintaining a consistent temperature in your home for longer.