Thermostat Wars: How to Set Your Home’s Temperature for Maximum Savings This Winter
It’s a scene played out in households across Central Texas every winter: one person sneaks over to the thermostat to nudge it up to 74°F, while another follows closely behind to drop it back down to 68°F to “save money.”
At Malek Service Company, we’ve seen how these “thermostat wars” can lead to more than just family squabbles — they can lead to skyrocketing energy bills and unnecessary wear and tear on your HVAC system. To help you find the “sweet spot” for comfort and cost, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to winter thermostat settings.
The Magic Number for Winter Savings
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the ideal temperature for your home during the winter months is 68°F while you are awake.
While that might sound a bit chilly if you’re used to a tropical indoor climate, there is a scientific reason for it. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall heating bill will be. By keeping your home at 68°F, you slow the heat loss out of your home, meaning your furnace doesn’t have to work nearly as hard to maintain the balance.
Strategies to Win the War and Save Money
If 68°F feels like a stretch for your family, try these three strategies to maximize your savings without losing your cool:
1. The “Eight-Hour Rule”
You can save roughly 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F from its normal setting for eight hours a day. The easiest time to do this? While you’re sleeping or while the house is empty during the workday.
2. Invest in a Smart Thermostat
If you’re tired of manual adjustments, it might be time to upgrade. Smart thermostats (like those from Carrier) learn your habits and automatically adjust the temperature based on whether you are home or away. You can settle the “Thermostat War” once and for all by programming a schedule that everyone agrees on — and then locking the interface!
3. Focus on “Real Feel” Comfort
Temperature is only one part of the comfort equation. Before you reach for the thermostat, consider these “passive” heating tips:
- Reverse Your Ceiling Fans: Set your fans to rotate clockwise at a low speed. This creates an updraft that pushes the warm air trapped at the ceiling back down to floor level.
- Open the Curtains: Let the Texas sun do the work. Open south-facing curtains during the day to naturally warm your rooms.
- Check Your Humidity: Dry winter air feels colder than moist air. If your home feels drafty, a whole-home humidifier can make 68°F feel like 72°F.
Why “Cranking It Up” Doesn’t Work
One of the biggest myths we encounter at Malek Service Company is the idea that setting your thermostat to 85°F will heat the house faster.
The Fact: Your furnace or heat pump works at one consistent speed. Setting the temperature higher doesn’t make the air come out hotter or faster; it just keeps the system running longer, which wastes energy and puts a strain on your mechanical components.
Don’t Let a Faulty System Dictate Your Settings
Sometimes, the “Thermostat War” isn’t about preference — it’s about a system that isn’t performing. If you find that certain rooms are freezing while others are sweltering, you may have ductwork issues or a furnace in need of a tune-up.
At Malek, we’ve spent over 30 years ensuring that homes in College Station, Bryan, and Houston stay comfortable regardless of the weather outside. Our Total Protection Plan members get annual winter inspections to ensure their thermostats and heating units are communicating perfectly.
Ready to stop the wars and start saving? Contact us today to schedule a winter maintenance check or to talk about upgrading to a high-efficiency Carrier system.
About Malek Service Company
At Malek Service Company, we’ve proudly met the needs of residential and commercial customers throughout Texas for more than 30 years. As a locally owned and operated business, we’ve built our reputation as an air conditioning, heating, and plumbing company dedicated to making a difference in your life. Our team takes pride in delivering the best customer service from start to finish, and we look forward to earning your business.
