As winter sets in, one of the most crucial aspects of maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient home is knowing how to properly set your thermostat. With temperatures plunging, adjusting your thermostat settings can significantly impact your energy bills and overall comfort. Different heating systems—like heat pumps, mini-splits, electric furnaces, and gas furnaces—have their unique temperature preferences, and understanding these can help you optimize your heating for both efficiency and comfort.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to set your thermostat for extra cold temperatures depending on your type of heating system, plus tips for using space heaters safely and effectively. We’ll also discuss the potential savings you can achieve and why getting this right is key to staying warm without breaking the bank.

Why Thermostat Settings Matter in Winter

When winter hits, your home’s heating system works harder than ever to keep you warm. But without the right thermostat settings, your system can waste energy, driving up your utility bills. On the other hand, setting it too low can make your home uncomfortable or leave you with uneven heating.

Proper thermostat management ensures:

  • Optimal comfort: Keeping your home warm and cozy where it counts.
  • Energy efficiency: Reducing wasted energy and lowering heating bills.
  • Prolonged lifespan of your heating system: Preventing overuse and strain on the system.
  • Improved air quality: Balanced temperature and humidity help prevent issues like condensation or mold growth.

1. Setting Your Thermostat for a Heat Pump

Heat pumps are commonly used in milder climates, but they can still be effective in cold weather. However, they are not as efficient when temperatures drop below freezing.  For optimal efficiency, you should generally maintain a constant temperature with a heat pump, as they work best when set to a steady temperature and don’t need to frequently cycle between heating and cooling modes; adjusting the temperature frequently can actually use more energy than leaving it set at a comfortable level. Here’s how to handle your thermostat settings:

Thermostat Settings for Heat Pumps:

    • Efficiency benefit: Heat pumps are designed to maintain a consistent temperature, so frequent adjustments can reduce their efficiency. 
    • Set and forget: Once you find a comfortable temperature, leave it there
    • Avoid large temperature swings: Turning the temperature down significantly when you’re away or asleep can lead to increased energy usage as the heat pump needs to work harder to reach the desired temperature again
    • Daytime (when you’re home): Set your thermostat to 68°F. This is the sweet spot for both comfort and energy efficiency. If you’re moving around, you may not need it any higher.
    • Nighttime (when you’re away or sleeping): If you can’t resist adjusting the thermostat, try to stay within 3 degrees of daytime temp setting (keeping the temp at 65°F or lower). Heat pumps can struggle to maintain heat in freezing temperatures, so keeping it lower at night helps save energy without sacrificing comfort.

Heat Pump Tips for Cold Weather:

  • Use auxiliary heat: When it’s extremely cold, your heat pump may activate an auxiliary or emergency heating function. This is more expensive to run, but it can help maintain warmth. Only use this setting during exceptionally cold days when the outside temperature is below freezing.
  • Backup space heaters: In very low temperatures, a heat pump may not be able to provide enough heat, and using a space heater as a backup might be necessary, particularly to heat smaller rooms such as a bathroom or bedroom.
  • Don’t turn the thermostat down too low: This can cause the heat pump to struggle, using more energy to get back to the set point.

2. Setting Your Thermostat for Mini-Split Systems

Mini-split systems are often used for zoned heating and can be more efficient than central HVAC systems, especially in smaller or multi-zone homes. These systems work well in cold temperatures, but like heat pumps, they need to be used properly for optimal efficiency.

Thermostat Settings for Mini-Split Systems:

  • Daytime (when you’re home): Set the thermostat to around 68°F – 70°F. This provides a comfortable temperature without overloading the system. Mini-splits are designed to heat smaller spaces efficiently, so avoid cranking the temperature up too high.
  • Nighttime: You can lower the temperature to 65°F or slightly lower when you sleep or are away from home. Mini-splits maintain a more consistent temperature throughout the day, so it won’t take long to bring the room back to a comfortable level.

Mini-Split Tips for Cold Weather:

  • Clear the outdoor unit: Snow and ice buildup can prevent the outdoor unit from functioning properly. Make sure it’s clear of snow and debris.
  • Use multiple units for different zones: Mini-splits are designed for zoned heating, so adjust the temperature based on the specific room. This can save energy compared to heating the entire house.

3. Setting Your Thermostat for Electric Furnaces

Electric furnaces are typically cheaper to install than gas furnaces and can heat your home quickly, but they are less efficient when it comes to energy use. They can also cause higher electricity bills if not managed correctly.

Thermostat Settings for Electric Furnaces:

  • Daytime: Set the thermostat to 68°F for consistent warmth without excessive energy use. Electric furnaces are good at quickly heating up a room, so you don’t need to keep the temperature too high.
  • Nighttime: Lower the temperature to 65°F or lower when you’re away or sleeping. Since electric furnaces heat quickly, this will keep your home warm without running the furnace all night.

Electric Furnace Tips for Cold Weather:

  • Avoid overusing the furnace: These systems are energy-intensive, so don’t leave the temperature high throughout the night. Instead, use a programmable thermostat to adjust it automatically.
  • Consider space heaters: If you’re only using a few rooms, supplement with space heaters for more energy efficiency.

4. Setting Your Thermostat for Gas Furnaces

Gas furnaces are common in homes that experience very cold winters, and they are generally more efficient than electric furnaces. They can heat your home quickly and provide consistent warmth.

Thermostat Settings for Gas Furnaces:

  • Daytime: Set your thermostat to 68°F for optimal warmth without excessive energy consumption. Gas furnaces are effective at maintaining consistent warmth, so don’t feel the need to keep it higher than this during the day.
  • Nighttime: Lower it to 65°F or even lower if you can tolerate the cold while sleeping. Gas furnaces are comparatively inexpensive to run, so adjusting it slightly lower at night will still provide comfort.

Gas Furnace Tips for Cold Weather:

  • Regular maintenance: Make sure your furnace is running efficiently by checking the air filter regularly and scheduling an annual tune-up with a professional.
  • Use a programmable thermostat: Set it to adjust the temperature automatically when you’re away or asleep to save energy while keeping your home comfortable.
  • Keep the heat consistent: Sudden temperature changes can cause the furnace to work harder, wasting energy. Try to maintain a consistent temperature for maximum efficiency.

Using Supplementary Space Heaters Safely

If your main heating system isn’t enough or you’re trying to warm specific areas, space heaters can be a useful tool—but only if used safely.

Space Heater Tips:

  • Use them in small areas: Space heaters are effective in small rooms, but using them to heat an entire house can be dangerous and costly.
  • Safety first: Always follow manufacturer instructions, and never leave space heaters unattended. Keep them away from flammable materials, and ensure they are placed on a level surface.
  • Turn off when not in use: Space heaters should never be left on overnight or when you leave the room. Turn them off when not in use to prevent fire hazards.

Potential Savings from Proper Thermostat Settings

By using the right thermostat settings for your heating system, you can save a substantial amount on your energy bills during the winter months. Here’s how the savings break down:

  • Heat pumps: Can save up to 10-20% on heating costs compared to other systems by maintaining a steady temperature and using less energy.
  • Mini-split systems: Zoned heating can save up to 30% on energy bills by only heating the rooms in use.
  • Electric furnaces: Can reduce your heating bills by 10-15% with proper settings and by avoiding unnecessary use.
  • Gas furnaces: Can cut energy costs by up to 20% by keeping the temperature consistent and avoiding drastic fluctuations.

Conclusion:

Proper thermostat settings are key to staying comfortable, saving energy, and lowering your heating costs during the coldest months of the year. Whether you have a heat pump, mini-split, electric furnace, or gas furnace, the right thermostat management can make all the difference.

Not sure if your heating system is working efficiently? Consider scheduling a maintenance check or upgrading to a more energy-efficient system to ensure you’re maximizing your savings this winter.

Stay warm and cozy this winter with these thermostat tips, and enjoy a more energy-efficient home all season long!

Need Help With Your Heating System?
At Ambassador Home Maintenance, we specialize in helping homeowners get the most out of their heating systems. Contact us today for a free home evaluation! 

 

author avatar
Ashley Harris