The Best Winter Thermostat Temperature for Comfort and Efficiency

When the cold weather sets in, every homeowner wonders what the best winter thermostat temperature is to stay warm without overspending on energy bills. Keeping your home comfortable and efficient doesn’t have to be complicated—it just takes a little know-how and consistency. At Stone Heating and Air, your local Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, we’re here to help you understand the right thermostat settings for winter and why you should never completely turn your heat off while you’re away.

What Is the Best Winter Thermostat Temperature?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the best winter thermostat temperature for comfort and efficiency is around 68°F when you’re home and awake. This temperature keeps your living space cozy while allowing your furnace to run efficiently without wasting energy. For most households, it strikes a perfect balance between comfort and cost savings.

When you’re asleep or out for the day, lowering your thermostat by 7–10 degrees can help reduce your heating costs by as much as 10% annually. Setting your thermostat to about 60°F during these times keeps your home warm enough to prevent damage and lets your system rest while still maintaining energy efficiency. Just remember to have your thermostat programmed to warm back up before you wake or return home for maximum comfort.

Why You Shouldn’t Turn Off the Heat Completely

Switching off your heating system when you’re gone for the day or weekend might be tempting, but doing so can cause more harm than good. Here’s why keeping your furnace running—even at a lower setting—is always the smarter choice:

1. Prevents Frozen Pipes: When temperatures indoors fall below 55°F, pipes in walls, attics, and crawl spaces can freeze and burst. Maintaining the best winter thermostat temperature keeps your plumbing safe and avoids costly water damage.
2. Reduces Furnace Strain: If you completely turn off the heat, your furnace has to work much harder to reheat the home when you return. That extra workload increases energy use and wear on your equipment, leading to premature repairs or even system failure.
3. Protects Your Home’s Interior: Electronics, flooring, and furniture can all suffer from extreme temperature changes and low humidity. Keeping a consistent temperature helps protect your belongings and the overall health of your home.
4. Maintains Indoor Humidity: Turning off the heat often results in overly dry indoor air, which can cause discomfort, respiratory irritation, and damage to wood fixtures. Keeping your home consistently warm prevents excessive dryness.

For long trips, a good rule of thumb is to set your thermostat no lower than 55°F. This ensures energy savings without putting your home or system at risk.

Use Smart Technology to Control Your Thermostat

Maintaining the best winter thermostat temperature is even easier with a programmable or smart thermostat. A programmable thermostat allows you to set heating schedules automatically, reducing energy waste when you’re away or asleep. Smart thermostats take this one step further, giving you remote control from your phone—perfect for last-minute schedule changes or unexpected cold snaps.

At Stone Heating and Air, we can recommend and install advanced Carrier smart thermostats designed to integrate seamlessly with your HVAC system. You’ll enjoy greater control, lower energy bills, and more consistent indoor comfort all season long.

Schedule a Winter HVAC Tune-Up

Finding the best winter thermostat temperature won’t help much if your heating system isn’t performing efficiently. That’s why scheduling a professional winter tune-up with Stone Heating and Air is important. Our certified technicians will inspect your furnace, replace filters, check components, and make sure your system is operating safely and efficiently.

Regular maintenance helps prevent breakdowns, improve performance, and extend the life of your HVAC system. As a Carrier Factory Authorized Retailer, Stone Heating and Air offers expert service backed by one of the most trusted names in home comfort.

Stay Comfortable and Save Energy All Winter Long

The best winter thermostat temperature is the one that keeps your family comfortable while maximizing energy efficiency. Aim for 68°F when you’re home, lower it slightly when you’re away, and never turn it off completely. Combine that with a programmable thermostat and a seasonal tune-up from Stone Heating and Air, and you’ll enjoy warmth, safety, and peace of mind all winter long.