What Should I Set My Thermostat to in the Winter?

In the Las Vegas Valley, we are famous for our triple-digit summers, but those winter desert nights can get surprisingly brisk. When the temperature drops, every homeowner starts asking the same question: What should I set my thermostat to in the winter to keep the house comfortable without making the electric bill skyrocket?

At Dr. Cool, we want to be your partner for easy home maintenance. Finding the best thermostat setting is all about balancing home comfort with your goal of lower energy bills. Here is the professional guide to managing your HVAC system during the cooler months.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the ideal temperature for your home during the winter is 68º F while you are awake.

This temperature setting is considered the sweet spot for home heating. It is warm enough to keep the chill away but not so high as to strain your heating system.

One of the best energy-saving tips is to lower the indoor temperature even further when you are asleep or away from the house.

By setting your thermostat to 7 to 10 degrees lower for 8 hours a day, you can save up to 10% on your heating bill. Setting the house to 60 or 62 degrees Fahrenheit at night allows you to pile on the blankets and enjoy energy savings while you sleep. It’s important to know that in poorly insulated Las Vegas homes, a very aggressive setback may cause your heating system to work harder to recover in the morning; a 65°F setback may be more practical than 60°F, depending on your home.

If you are still using a manual dial, you are working too hard. A programmable thermostat or a smart thermostat is the ultimate tool for managing energy use.

• Programmable Thermostat: You can pre-set your winter thermostat setting so the HVAC automatically lowers the temps when you leave for work and warms the house back up just before you arrive home.
• Smart Thermostat: These devices connect to your smart home ecosystem. They learn your habits and can even detect when no one is home, making real-time thermostat adjustments. This results in an energy-efficient home that practically manages itself.
• Energy Star-Certified: Look for Energy Star-certified models to ensure the device meets EPA energy-efficiency standards and helps you save on energy costs.

Lowering your utility bills involves more than just clicking a button on the wall. Here are a few ways to support your heating system and prevent heat loss.

1. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans: Most ceiling fans have a small switch on the motor. In the winter, fans should run clockwise at a low speed. This creates an updraft that pushes the warm air trapped at the ceiling back down into the living space. This tip is especially effective in Las Vegas homes with vaulted or high ceilings, where warm air stratification is more pronounced
2. Harness the Power of the Sun: Open your curtains during the day to let natural sunlight raise the temperature in your south-facing rooms. Close them at night to add an extra layer of insulation against the glass.
3. Check Your Heat Pump: If your home uses a heat pump rather than natural gas, be aware that these systems work differently in Las Vegas’s coldest nights. If you notice your HVAC system running constantly, it might be time for a professional checkup.
4. Seal the Leaks: Small gaps around windows and doors account for significant heat loss. Sealing these leaks ensures that the warm air you pay for stays inside.

At Dr. Cool, we treat your home like our own. We know that homeowners want a comfortable temperature without the stress of a massive heating bill. Whether you need a new smart thermostat installed, a tune-up for your heating system, or advice on improving your indoor air quality, our licensed team is here to help.

We provide year-round support for your cooling system and heating system alike. We explain your options clearly and keep the process stress-free so you can focus on enjoying your home.

Is your heater ready for the winter chill? Call Dr. Cool at (702) 608-6939 or schedule your HVAC maintenance online today.