What Temperature Should I Set My Thermostat to In Winter?

Winter in Canada always brings the challenge of keeping your house warm without killing energy costs. Heating makes up a considerable portion of these bills. So, how to kill two birds with one stone? What is a good temperature for a house Celsius? Let’s study it all in this article. You will learn energy-saving tips and practical strategies to correctly set your thermostat and keep your space cozy throughout the colder months.

What is the ideal indoor temperature of Celsius?

It may be hard to find the best temperature for a heater in winter Celsius. Here is how you can experiment:

• Use a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats let you set different temperatures for different times of the day. For example:
• At daytime, when you’re home, set it to 20°C (68°F).
• At nighttime, lower the setting to 16°C (60°F).
• When you are away from home, lower even further to 13°C–15°C (55°F–59°F).

• Upgrade to a smart thermostat. These devices go one step further. They learn your habits and adjust automatically. You can also control them remotely, which is an additional convenience.

The ideal thermostat setting also depends on your home’s insulation. Well-insulated homes can maintain a comfortable temperature with lower thermostat settings. If your home is not insulated enough, you may need to set the thermostat higher to achieve the same comfort level.

What do experts say about normal house temperature Celsius?

Experts suggest keeping your thermostat setting between 20°C and 21°C (68°F 70°F) when you’re home and lower it during sleep or when away to save energy.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a slightly broader range – 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F) for healthy individuals. However, for the elderly, very young children, or those with health conditions, WHO emphasizes that temperatures should not drop below 20°C (68°F) to maintain safety and comfort.

Energy-saving tips for winter

Keeping your home cozy during winter doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are some effective tips for reducing your energy consumption and staying warm at the same time.

Use a programmable thermostat.

It is a must-have if you want to improve your energy efficiency. These devices let you schedule temperature adjustments throughout the day based on when you’re home or away. For example, you can set the thermostat to lower the temperature while you’re at work and warm up the house shortly before you return.

A tip: Modern smart thermostats can learn your habits and make automatic adjustments even when you are not home.

Lower the temperature at night.

Turning the thermostat down a few degrees at night can make a big difference in your energy usage. Most people sleep better in cooler conditions, and this adjustment can bring noticeable savings on your heating bill.

A tip. Use warm bedding or an electric blanket to stay cozy without increasing your thermostat setting.

Layer up for comfort.

Instead of heating your home excessively, consider wearing layers of warm clothing. Sweaters, thick socks, and cozy blankets can help you stay comfortable without overloading the thermostat.

A tip. Place area rugs on hardwood or tile floors to keep your feet warm and reduce heat loss through the flooring.

Seal air leaks.

Drafts around windows, doors, and other openings can cause your home to lose heat. Inspect these areas and seal any gaps or cracks with caulk or weatherstripping to keep warm air in and cold air out.

A tip. Use door draft stoppers to prevent chilly air from sneaking in under doors.

Maintain your HVAC system.

A well-maintained HVAC system runs more efficiently, using less energy to heat your home. Replace your furnace filters regularly to improve airflow and reduce strain on the system. Additionally, schedule annual tune-ups with a professional to ensure everything is in good working order.

A tip: If your furnace is old, consider upgrading to a high-efficiency model. It is an upfront investment, but lower utility bills will compensate for it over time. It’s also important to have regular furnace maintenance to ensure it works properly, and if there’s an issue, repair the furnace before it’s too late.

The impact of too low thermostat setting in winter

You can maximally lower your thermostat to save energy and reduce costs, but it’s important not to make your home too cold. If the temperature inside gets too low, pipes can freeze and burst, leading to expensive repairs. Cold temperatures can also affect your health, especially if you have vulnerable people in your family – kids, the elderly, or those with health problems. Prolonged exposure to cold can cause hypothermia or worsen existing health conditions. It’s essential to keep the temperature at a level that balances savings with safety and comfort. 

Common myths about thermostat temperature

You will find a lot of advice about achieving the ideal indoor temperature in Celsius in winter. However, most of them are far from being true. Here are some of the biggest myths:

Myth 1. Setting the thermostat to the highest mark heats your home faster.

It does not work like this. Your heating system works at the same pace no matter what temperature you set—it just runs longer to reach a higher setting. This approach is just a waste of energy.

Myth 2. Turning off the heat saves money.

It may seem a smart idea to switch off the heat when you are not at home. Actually, it is not. A cold house can lead to frozen pipes or force your system to work extra hard (and cost more) when you turn it back on. Instead, drop the thermostat to around 13°C (55°F) when you’re away.

Myth 3. Keeping the thermostat steady is best.

Sometimes, it seems the best solution is to set your thermostat at one temperature. However, it is not about saving. Lower the temperature at night or when you are not at home and increase it when you need the warmth.

Extra tips to save energy

There are some additional strategies you can use to keep energy consumption in check:

• Let the sun help. Open curtains on sunny days to let natural light and warmth in, but close them at night to insulate against the cold.
• Adjust your water heater. Try lowering the temperature to 120°F (49°C). This will save energy while maintaining comfort.
• Install ceiling fans. Use ceiling fans on a low setting to circulate warm air that rises to the ceiling back down to living spaces.

Small changes like these can add up over time. They will help you save money and reduce your environmental impact.  

Final thoughts

Your ideal thermostat setting for winter doesn’t have to be difficult. Experiment with different temperatures to find the one that suits you best. Additionally, learn your home needs, and insulation and use tips that do not cost anything but help you save money and stay warm. You can also consider modern tools like smart thermostats to control your home environment even when you are not in. Remember, the right temperature is the one that works best for your household. You may set it a few degrees higher for extra comfort or lower for savings. The main thing is to find a balance that keeps everyone cozy.