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Quick Answer: Most Ohio homes stay comfortable and energy efficient at 68°F during the day when occupied. Lower the thermostat by a few degrees for eight hours at night or when away to reduce your heating bill.
Setting the best temperature for your heating system during the heating season helps keep your house warm while keeping energy bills manageable. At Logan Services, we help homeowners across Dayton, Columbus, and Cincinnati stay comfortable through Ohio’s cold weather with proven guidance and reliable service.
If you need help improving winter comfort or reducing heating costs, call (800) 564-2611 to speak with our team today.
Understanding Heating Costs and How To Manage Them
Heating costs rise quickly when air leaks, blocked heating vents, or leaking ductwork reduce system efficiency. Why it matters: These issues force your heating system to use more energy to deliver the same amount of heat.
Addressing these concerns helps keep warm air inside your home. It also protects hot water pipes from losing heat. This can reduce the need for space heaters in rooms that are not used or for additional hot water use.
How To Lower Your Heating Bill and Electric Bills
Making simple changes can help you save money on heating and electric bills. These adjustments also support energy efficiency and lead to significant savings during the winter. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature. It changes when the outdoor temperature drops, during work hours, or over the winter holidays.
Quick Wins for Lower Bills:
- Reduce thermostat settings by a few degrees during sleep or away hours
- Keep heating vents clear and regularly clean furnace filters to support proper airflow to support proper airflow
- Use smart thermostats to conserve energy automatically
These habits reduce overall energy costs without sacrificing comfort.
The Recommended Winter Thermostat Setting
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends heating your home to 68°F when occupied. This temperature supports efficiency, provides comfort for most households, and reduces unnecessary heating system strain.
Lowering the temperature by a few degrees for eight hours can help reduce your heating and cooling bills. Doing this overnight conserves energy and keeps cold air from circulating in your home.
Even a small thermostat change can make a big difference in energy use.
Is 70°F a Good Temperature for Winter?
Heating your home to 70°F is reasonable if 68°F feels too cool during cold weather. A small rise in indoor temperature can help keep you comfortable during sudden cold snaps. It also helps when the outside air makes rooms feel colder.
Each degree you lower your thermostat continues to save energy and decreases the risk of higher energy bills.
How To Maintain Comfort at Lower Thermostat Settings
Comfort at energy-efficient temperatures improves when your home keeps heat well. This helps your home stay warm without using more energy.
Key Ways To Stay Warm Without Raising the Thermostat:
These simple steps help your home feel warmer even at 68°F.
The Role of Heating System Efficiency
A well-maintained heating system delivers better comfort at lower thermostat settings. Seasonal tune-ups improve airflow, reduce strain, and support long-term system performance.
How To Prevent Heat Loss for Better Energy Efficiency
Preventing heat loss is one of the most important aspects of winter home efficiency. Upgrading insulation, sealing ductwork, improving windows, and closing gaps around doors and windows can help. These actions prevent cold air from coming in, keep warm air inside, and reduce the workload on your heating system.
Myth:
Turning up the thermostat quickly heats the home faster.
Fact:
The system heats at the same rate; higher settings only increase energy use.
How Heat Pumps Support Energy-Efficient Winter Heating
A heat pump provides more heat with less energy by moving warm air instead of generating it. This helps lower both heating and cooling costs throughout the year.
Heat pumps also circulate warm air consistently, reducing cold spots and the need for space heaters.
Why Smart Thermostats Improve Winter Heating
Smart thermostats learn your routine, adjust temperatures automatically, and support consistent winter comfort.
Features such as remote temperature control and energy-use reporting help homeowners across Dayton, Columbus, and Cincinnati manage heating more effectively and save energy.
Why Homeowners Benefit From Local HVAC Expertise
Local HVAC professionals understand the temperature swings and cold snaps common in Ohio. This helps them provide recommendations tailored to your home and climate.
Logan Services provides Free, Same-Day Estimates and Next-Day Installation. This means your comfort is restored quickly when temperatures drop.
Finding the Best Winter Temperature for Your Home
The best winter thermostat setting balances comfort and efficiency. Starting at 68°F, then adjusting slightly based on your comfort level, provides an effective baseline for most households.
Small temperature changes, combined with smart habits and ongoing system maintenance, make a noticeable difference in comfort and energy use.
Other Heating Tips for Winter:
Heat Loss From Drafty Windows and Doors
Heat loss through drafty windows, electrical outlets, and doors can make your house cold. This also leads to higher energy costs.
Adding door sweeps and sealing air leaks to seal gaps around openings helps keep warm air inside.
Using Ceiling Fans for Winter Energy Savings
Running ceiling fans on low speed helps circulate warm air downward, reducing the need to raise the thermostat.
This technique prevents cold air pockets and keeps the home warm without increasing heating system workloads.
Preventing Carbon Monoxide Risks
Winter heating requires attention to carbon monoxide safety. Furnaces and heat pumps should receive an annual inspection.
These checks ensure safe operation and prevent efficiency issues or outside air infiltration.
Stay Warm at the Best Winter Temperature With Logan Services
The best temperature to heat your home to in the winter begins at 68°F, with adjustments based on comfort and daily routines. Pairing this strategy with energy-efficient habits helps maintain comfort while controlling heating costs.
Logan Services offers furnace tune-ups, heat pump installation, and smart thermostat upgrades. We help ensure your home stays warm and comfortable during winter in Dayton, Columbus, and Cincinnati.
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Heating
Most homes stay comfortable and energy efficient at 68°F when people are home. It is good to lower the temperature a few degrees while sleeping or when away.
Yes, reducing the thermostat by a few degrees for eight hours can significantly lower heating costs over the winter.
Air leaks, drafty windows, and poor insulation allow warm air to escape and cold air to enter. Sealing these areas helps maintain consistent comfort.
Whole-home heating is generally more efficient. Space heaters can increase electric bills and should only be used to supplement heating in small, occupied areas.
An annual inspection ensures maximum efficiency, safety, and reliable performance throughout the heating season.
