Recently, the HouseCalls team has been buzzing with questions about managing thermostats and what temperature is best to balance comfort and cost. Here are the questions we have been asked most often recently—and the surprising facts every homeowner should know.
1. What is the absolute best temperature to set my thermostat at night?
For most homes, the "sweet spot" is 62°F to 66°F (16°C to 19°C). The U.S. Department of Energy suggests that turning your thermostat back by 7° to 10°F from your normal daytime setting can save you up to 10% a year.
2. Doesn’t it take more energy to heat the house back up in the morning?
No. This is a common misconception. Your furnace doesn't "work harder" to reach a higher temperature; it simply runs for a longer, continuous cycle. Because heat leaves your home slower when the indoor temperature is lower, you actually save more energy by letting the house cool down than you spend warming it back up.
3. Is 62°F safe for my pets?
Most dogs and cats with standard coats are perfectly comfortable at 62°F to 65°F. However, if you have very short-haired breeds, senior pets, or tropical birds, you should keep the temperature no lower than 68°F or provide them with a heated pet bed.
4. How low can I go before I risk my pipes freezing?
Never set your thermostat lower than 55°F (13°C). In extremely cold climates or poorly insulated homes, the air inside your walls (where pipes live) is much colder than the air in the center of the room. Keeping it at 55°F or higher ensures enough heat reaches those vulnerable areas to prevent a burst pipe.
5. Will a lower temperature actually help me sleep better?
Yes. Scientific studies show that a cool room—specifically around 65°F—is ideal for high-quality sleep. A cooler environment signals to your body that it’s time to produce melatonin and stay in deep REM sleep longer.
6. How can I stay warm without turning up the heat?
If you want to save money but find 62°F too chilly, try these "low-tech" fixes.
Switch your ceiling fan so that it runs clockwise on low to push warm air down.
Use flannel sheets and a down comforter.
Close your curtains which acts as an extra layer of insulation against cold window glass. Check for drafts and make your own rice-filled door or window stopper.
