The ideal heating temperature ultimately comes down to personal preference, but there are some general guidelines that can help determine the best thermostat setting for your home.
Factors That Influence Ideal Heating Temperatures
Several factors play a role in determining the right temperature setting for your heating system:
- Personal comfort – Some people prefer warmer temperatures, while others like it cooler.
- Room size – Larger rooms tend to require higher temperatures.
- Number of people – More body heat usually necessitates a higher thermostat setting.
- Insulation – Well-insulated homes retain heat better and may require lower settings.
- Outside temperature – Colder climates typically need higher indoor temperatures.
- Type of heating system – Forced air, radiant, etc. can impact optimal temperature.
- Placement of thermostat – Settings may need adjusting if not centrally located.
- Windows – Drafty windows can make rooms feel colder and require higher settings.
- Health conditions – Some medical conditions require maintaining warmer indoor temperatures.
- Age – Young children and the elderly often need warmer indoor temperatures.
Recommended Heating Temperature Settings
Most experts recommend the following thermostat settings for energy efficiency and comfort:
| Room | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Living room | 68-75°F (20-24°C) |
| Bedroom | 65-72°F (18-22°C) |
| Kitchen | 68-75°F (20-24°C) |
| Bathroom | 68-75°F (20-24°C) |
| Basement/garage | 55-65°F (13-18°C) |
These temperatures provide a comfortable range for most people without excessive energy use. However, adjust within 5 degrees up or down based on your personal preferences.
Tips for Setting Your Thermostat
- Program different temperatures for when you are home versus away.
- Lower the temperature at night when asleep under blankets.
- Use a programmable or smart thermostat to automate temperature changes.
- Maintain consistent settings to avoid frequent heating system cycling.
- Close vents and shut doors in unused rooms.
- Supplement with space heaters in rooms you use most.
- Set the thermostat fan to “auto” to only run when heating.
- Have your heating system serviced annually for maximum efficiency.
Money-Saving Thermostat Setting Tips
You can also optimize your thermostat to save on heating bills with these recommendations:
- Lower the temperature when away from home for 4+ hours.
- Set the thermostat back 10-15°F (5-8°C) at night.
- Use a setback temperature of 55-60°F (13-16°C) in cold climates when away all day.
- Only heat rooms you use regularly during winter.
- Seal any air leaks around windows and doors.
- Use insulated curtains to retain heat.
- Limit heating in basements and garages.
- Have an energy audit performed to identify savings opportunities.
Ideal Heating Temperatures in Specific Scenarios
Here are some typical thermostat settings for certain situations:
| Scenario | Suggested Temperature |
|---|---|
| Sleeping | 65°F (18°C) |
| Out of the house | 62°F (17°C) |
| Watching TV | 68-70°F (20-21°C) |
| Entertaining guests | 70-72°F (21-22°C) |
| House with children | 68-72°F (20-22°C) |
| Elderly or ill | 70-74°F (21-23°C) |
| Well insulated home | 65°F (18°C) |
| Drafty home | 68-70°F (20-21°C) |
| Milder climates | 65°F (18°C) |
| Colder climates | 70°F (21°C) |
Conclusion
Finding your optimal thermostat setting involves balancing comfort and energy efficiency. Start with the standard recommended temperatures for each room and make incremental adjustments from there. Pay attention to your individual needs, heating system capabilities, and weather conditions. Programming setbacks into a smart thermostat can help maximize savings. Maintain steady temperatures instead of frequent heating adjustments for the best performance. With some trial and error, you can determine the ideal thermostat settings for your home and situation.