Best Winter Temperature for Your Thermostat

Winter in Alberta can be extremely cold, which makes a warm home feel even more inviting. However, the warmer you keep your house, the higher your heating bills will be. Finding the right balance between comfort and energy costs is the key.

Heating is typically the largest energy expense in most homes, especially during the winter when days are shorter and temperatures drop. Even lowering your thermostat by a couple of degrees can noticeably reduce your energy costs.

Recommended Temperature During the Day

If someone is home during the day, a comfortable range for most households is between 20°C and 22°C. This temperature keeps the home warm without using more energy than necessary.

If you are cooking, cleaning, or doing other household chores, you may find 18°C comfortable as well. The lower the temperature, the more energy you save. Wearing a sweater or warmer clothing indoors can help reduce heating costs without sacrificing comfort.

Every household is different, so what feels comfortable for one family may feel too warm or too cool for another. If you want to lower your heating costs, try reducing your thermostat slowly over time. Lowering the temperature by about 1°C per week gives your body time to adjust and can make the change feel much more natural.

Nighttime Temperature

When you are sleeping, your home does not need to be as warm. A recommended nighttime range is 16°C to 19°C. Many people actually sleep better in a cooler environment, especially when using warm blankets.

Lowering the temperature at night also helps reduce energy consumption while you are not actively using most areas of the house.

Temperature When No One Is Home

If everyone is away during the day, you can set your thermostat within the same cooler range used overnight. Reducing the temperature while the house is empty prevents unnecessary heating and helps lower your energy bill.

Temperature When You Are Away for an Extended Time

If you plan to be away for several days or longer, it is important to keep the house warm enough to prevent pipes from freezing. In most cases, setting the thermostat between 10°C and 15°C is recommended.

The exact temperature will depend on the age of your home, its insulation, and the condition of your windows. Newer homes with better insulation may safely maintain a lower temperature, while older homes may need a slightly warmer setting to prevent freezing.

Using Programmable Thermostats

A programmable thermostat can help you manage heating costs automatically. You simply set the temperatures and the times of day you want them to apply, and the thermostat adjusts the temperature for you.

For example:

• Wake: Program the furnace to start warming the house shortly before you get up.
• Leave: Lower the temperature automatically when everyone leaves for work or school.
• Return: Raise the temperature again shortly before you come home.
• Sleep: Lower the temperature at bedtime to save energy overnight.

Once programmed, the thermostat manages these changes automatically.

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats offer even more control. They connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network and allow you to manage your home’s temperature from your smartphone or tablet.

This means you can adjust the temperature while you are away from home or receive alerts if the house temperature drops unexpectedly. Some advanced smart thermostats can even learn your schedule and automatically adjust the temperature based on your habits.

Finding the Right Balance

The best winter thermostat setting is one that balances comfort, energy savings, and the condition of your home. Small adjustments to your thermostat can make a noticeable difference in your monthly heating costs.

If you want help improving your home’s heating efficiency, The Gentlemen Pros can help with professional furnace services and heating inspections to make sure your system is ready for winter.